‘Thomas Waddingham delighted’ as contract update emerges at Portsmouth
Thomas Waddingham has made limited appearances for Portsmouth since signing in January.
The Australian forward moved to Fratton Park from Brisbane Roar during the winter window but has made just three appearances.
Despite this, the 19-year-old has scored one goal in the second tier, coming in the heavy defeat against West Brom in January.
Looking ahead to next season, the striker could be set for more minutes under John Mousinho after the latest contract update on the south coast.
Waddingham could replace Kusini Yengi at Portsmouth
It is fair to say that Yengi has failed to live up to expectation in the Championship this season after returning from a long-term injury issue.
The 26-year-old is yet to score or assist this campaign, which could ultimately end in him departing Fratton Park.
The Australia international has just months remaining on his current deal and is yet to sign an extension in PO4.
It doesn’t appear that a new contract is on the table either, after Mousinho revealed to The News (27 March) that it isn’t on his mind right now.
He said: “To be honest, his contract isn’t anything we are really thinking about at the moment. Any individual’s contract talks are so far away from my personal radar.
“It might be on the club’s radar, but it’s so far away from what I’m thinking about.”
This could prove to be the perfect opportunity for Waddingham to step up and prove himself for Pompey next season in place of Yengi.
Waddingham has to take chance at Portsmouth
There is no doubt that the teenager was highly rated in Australia before his move to the Championship during the winter.
Waddingham scored 15 in 40 games for Brisbane Roar and will be hopeful of replicating that in the second tier next campaign.
| Years | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 2025 | Portsmouth | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023-2025 | Brisbane Roar | 40 | 15 | 2 |
| 2022-23 | Brisbane Roar Under 21s | 29 | 12 | 4 |
If Pompey can avoid relegation to League One and Yengi is to depart at the end of his contract, it would make sense to give the Aussie a proper chance.
With Josh Murphy supplying the youngster, he could have the perfect opportunity to find the net on a regular basis in English football.
It will be interesting to see if Mousinho hands him an opportunity to feature regularly or if he looks for a new option in the summer window.