Jed Wallace ‘return to Portsmouth has to be on the cards’ amid West Brom woes
Jed Wallace could be looking at a Portsmouth return with the winger struggling at West Brom this season.
Wallace is a Portsmouth academy graduate and made 121 appearances for the south coast club before leaving them permanently in 2015. During his time at Fratton Park, Wallace was a key member of the squad as Pompey were grinding it out in League Two.
After leaving Portsmouth, he had spells at Wolves and Millwall before permanently joining West Brom in 2022.
In his first couple of seasons at West Brom, Wallace did a decent job but his performances have been heavily criticised this term.
Wallace’s West Brom struggles
The 30-year-old has played 27 Championship games this term with his only goal coming against Portsmouth, his former club.
Wallace burst into celebration, which was not received well by the fans but the Englishman later explained that he couldn’t hold his celebration on scoring and breaking his goal drought.
However, Wallace’s performances have not improved, and is currently sidelined with a calf injury. With the former Millwall man disappointing throughout the season, West Brom fans have been demanding for Wallace to be sold.
| Club | Matches | Goals | Assists |
| Portsmouth | 121 | 30 | 12 |
In the event of Wallace’s departure from The Hawthorns, a return to Portsmouth could be on the cards. Returning to Portsmouth after spending a sizeable chunk of your career elsewhere is in fashion as Matt Ritchie and Regan Poole can attest.
Both the ex-Portsmouth academy lads left Pompey to excel in their careers and have now returned, impressing at Fratton Park. Wallace might also follow in their footsteps and make a sensational return to the South Coast club.
Portsmouth might need Wallace
With Ritchie turning 36 this year, Portsmouth will need another experienced player to take over the mantle from the former Newcastle United man. Wallace fits the bill. He is about to turn 31 this month and has plenty of Championship experience.
The Reading-born attacker has always remained coy regarding his return to Portsmouth. On the other hand, Pompey fans would wholeheartedly welcome Wallace back to the club but other areas need more attention than the right-wing position.
Paddy Lane has staked his claim on the right-wing spot whereas Liverpool loanees Kaide Gordon and Harvey Blair provide adequate depth.
The right flank is well supported and Wallace’s arrival may not be viewed as a priority by the Portsmouth chief and fans.
Whether the 30-year-old returns or not remains to be seen but a return to Portsmouth cannot be discarded.