(Credit: Imago)

Jack Dawson

Mon 5 May 2025 17:30, UK

Portsmouth can now begin preparations for the 2025/26 campaign after a successful first season back in the Championship.

Pompey ended the season in 16^th, a remarkable turnaround compared to the poor first months the club endured in the second tier.

It was a good end as well for John Mousinho’s side as they went on a five-match unbeaten run.

Expectations will no doubt increase at Fratton Park next season as the club aim to progress further up the table.

The transfer window could be vital to achieving this, but Mousinho may well already have two players at Pompey who will be like new signings.

Jacob Farrell and Ibane Bowat like new signings for Portsmouth

While their first season back in the Championship has been a success, duo Jacob Farrell and Ibane Bowat have had to watch the campaign almost exclusively from the sidelines.

Combined, the two upcoming stars only played one match this season before they both picked up long-term injuries.

If they can overcome their injury woes for the 2025/26 campaign, the duo could become important squad players for Mousinho.

Farrell and Bowat have been backed to burst onto the scene next season in an exciting shout, and there is no reason why they can’t. 

If they can show their first-team potential at Portsmouth, the duo will be like two new signings at Pompey.

A good summer transfer window is vital for Portsmouth

After a good campaign, Mousinho must ensure that the club improves further in January.

While the club survived the second tier with multiple games to spare, they were uncomfortably close to relegation for the majority of the season.

Mousinho has made multiple quality signings through his tenure at Portsmouth, with the free transfer of Josh Murphy at Portsmouth a masterstroke.

Now, the manager must repeat this feat, or they risk being pulled into the bottom three once again next term.

A top-half finish is not out of the question next season, but Mousinho must be backed for this to happen.