Darko Gyabi transfer: Portsmouth potential destination amid Leeds exit news
Portsmouth will be extremely busy in this summer’s transfer market, a rollercoaster period the Blues fans have become accustomed to.
Since last year’s promotion from League One, Rich Hughes has orchestrated 22 new signings across two transfer windows.
Some have performed better than others, but there have been enough success stories on a limited budget to enable survival in the Championship.
Portsmouth should punt for Darko Gyabi after Leeds promotion
Portsmouth enjoyed a fantastic pair of games with champions-elect Leeds United this season, playing out a thrilling 3-3 opening weekend draw (10 August) before beating the Whites 1-0 at Fratton Park in one of the highlights of the campaign (9 March).
Leeds can beat Plymouth Argyle on the final day this Saturday (3 May) to secure a 100-point total, as they head back into the bright lights of the Premier League.
This could, in turn, benefit the Blues, with Darko Gyabi potentially available – the midfield man having spent this season on a successful loan with Plymouth.
This success comes solely from a personal perspective, with Argyle bound for relegation after their game with Leeds, in which Gyabi is ineligible to play.
Beren Cross of The Athletic (1 May) audited the promoted Leeds squad including loaned-out stars, and said of the youngster’s future: “Gyabi was given a brief chance in the early weeks of Farke’s first season, but did not make the grade before being loaned out. Was sent out again last summer and ended up making more league appearances than anyone else at Plymouth this season.
“It is hard to believe he is ready to feature frequently in the top flight. Perhaps a contract extension and another loan to the Championship may give Leeds one last look at the 21-year-old’s long-term potential.”
The England Under-21 midfielder could be an ideal engine in the centre of the park for John Mousinho, who is unfortunately likely to be without Freddie Potts next season – the West Ham United loanee may even get his Premier League chance in 2025-26.
Eisners allowing more funds for transfers
Mousinho confirmed, after assuring Portsmouth were safe, that there would be more funds sanctioned for transfers from the Eisners this summer.
That comes as music to the ears of the Pompey fans, who have seen Hughes and co. operate on the tightest of budgets in the Championship to bring in astute arrivals.
Among them has been the loan for Potts, as well as the free signings of Josh Murphy and Matt Ritchie – without whom Pompey surely would have been doomed.
| Plymouth Argyle 2024-25 | Apps (Championship) |
| Darko Gyabi | 43 |
It will be a measure of how far the Blues have progressed in a short space of time when Hull City visit Fratton Park this weekend, desperately fighting for their own lives while the Fratton crowd are in carnival mood.
As for next season, a player like Gyabi – unlikely to get into the Leeds side in the Premier League – may just fit the bill.