‘Portsmouth to lose out in summer’ as £40m transfer update emerges
Portsmouth could be ready to head into the new Championship with a weakened squad.
Pompey look likely to maintain their spot in the second tier after securing three points last time out against Blackburn Rovers.
This result extended the gap to Derby County in 22nd to seven points, which may be too big to be cancelled out in the final seven games of the campaign.
As a result, plans will be being drawn up ahead of the summer window which could be set to start in the most frustrating fashion.
Portsmouth could miss out on Adil Aouchiche deal with Sunderland
The 22-year-old made a winter switch to Fratton Park from the North East and has gone on to be a useful asset in John Mousinho’s squad.
The Frenchman may have only contributed to one goal in blue but has shown qualities which could see him improve on that tally before the season ends.
| Stats | Adil Aouchiche |
| Appearances | 9 |
| Starts | 6 |
| Goals | 1 |
This could see the PO4 club look to keep the attacking midfielder on a permanent basis, but that may have taken a killer blow in the past week.
Aouchiche could be in line to return to Sunderland for the long term as the Black Cats look likely to part ways with Chris Rigg in the upcoming window.
Alan Nixon reported on 30 March that the 17-year-old would cost up to £40million in the summer, a sum described as “crazy” by the journalist.
If a Premier League side is to come forward and pay that fee, then Regis Le Bris may look to get the best out of the Pompey loanee next season.
Portsmouth must consider new transfer options
There is no doubt that new signings will be required in the summer to help Pompey to better the season they have had in the Championship.
Safety was the only goal coming into the second tier and it looks likely that Mousinho and Co. are going to achieve that goal with time to spare.
The impact of Josh Murphy has been there for all to see and players with his sort of quality need to be targeted moving forward.
Someone like Aouchiche could prove to fit that bill and it will be a huge blow if he is to depart and make a move back to Sunderland on a regular basis.