credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Tue 25 March 2025 16:31, UK

Andre Dozzell has struggled to properly impose himself at Portsmouth since signing in the summer.

The 25-year-old signed at Fratton Park on a free transfer after being relegated from the Championship with Birmingham City last year.

Since joining Pompey, the midfielder has made 28 starts under John Mousinho but has contributed just two goals as relegation remains on the table with just eight games remaining.

With a place in the second tier on the line, the Englishman has to step up and prove himself, especially after a new contract update.

Mousinho needs more from Dozzell at Portsmouth

It is fair to say the former Ipswich Town man has failed to prove why he should be starting every game this season which may not serve him well moving forward.

Looking ahead to the summer transfer window, a new midfield option is likely to be required, which could spell the end of the line for Dozzell.

This comes after regular starter Freddie Potts penned a new deal at parent club West Ham on 25 March to keep him in East London until 2029.

With this contract being signed, it could see Graham Potter look to get the most out of the midfield in the Premier League next season.

This would leave Mousinho without one of his key players in the middle of the park and could leave more responsibility on Dozzell’s shoulders moving forward.

Dozzell must step up after Potts new deal at West Ham

Potts has made 29 appearances for Pompey this campaign and has had a telling impact in games against the likes of Leeds United and Middlesbrough in recent weeks.

With that being said, his absence moving into next season could prove to make a sizable difference at Fratton Park and could come as a huge blow.

As a result, it could prove to be down to the likes of Dozzell to step up to the plate and improve his output on the south coast.

If he can’t prove that between now and the end of the current campaign, there is likely to be a new midfielder coming in soon.

That could also represent the end of the line for Dozzell, who could slide down the pecking order under Mousinho if a new signing is made.