Rob Atkinson ‘transfer call obvious’ after what’s happened at Portsmouth
Rob Atkinson was a significant Portsmouth signing in the winter transfer window as they looked to bolster their Championship hopes.
The defender was signed on loan from Bristol City until the end of the season as Pompey aim to survive the drop.
Atkinson picked up an injury at Portsmouth after a strong start to his stint, and John Mousinho has undoubtedly missed him recently.
The Hampshire outfit have had several fitness issues in their backline in the current campaign, with Marlon Pack playing as a centre-back for Pompey.
Portsmouth have big decision to make on Atkinson next summer
Portsmouth also signed Hayden Matthews in the winter transfer window, but the Australian defender picked up a knock as well.
Pompey have heavily relied on Connor Ogilvie this season, with the Englishman playing left-back and centre-back.
| Competition (2024/25) | Appearances | Points per game |
| Championship | 9 | 1.78 |
Despite Regan Poole’s presence, the Hampshire outfit haven’t had a consistent defensive partnership this season, which has undoubtedly affected them.
Mousinho seemed to have finally found a solution to the defensive frailties, but fitness issues have derailed those hopes.
Mousinho must push for Atkinson signing after Plymouth and Preston loss
Portsmouth lost 2-1 to Preston at Deepdale on 15 March before the start of the international break.
Pompey were also beaten 2-1 by Plymouth at Fratton Park on 12 March, which has undone all the good work of the previous weeks.
The Hampshire outfit had won four of their five fixtures before facing Miron Muslic’s team, which included an impressive win over Leeds United at Elland Road.
Portsmouth will hope to avoid relegation from the Championship, but they need better results in the final eight fixtures.
Pompey won five of the seven games Atkinson started, but he was forced off with an injury in the first half against QPR on 22 February.
Since then, the Hampshire outfit have lost three of their four games, highlighting the importance of the Bristol City loanee.
Fans will hope Mousinho can survive the drop to League One this season, allowing Portsmouth to build their squad next summer.
Atkinson should be one of the first names through the door at Fratton Park once his loan deal expires.