(Credit: Imago)

Portsmouth 'have instant Potts replacement' as Stoke City news confirmed

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

05 May 2025, 3:00 pm

Portsmouth have a big task on their hands this summer as they look to improve upon their first season back in the Championship.

After a terrible start to the season, Portsmouth’s form in 2025 was one of the best in the division.

John Mousinho had taken the club from the foot of the Championship and guided them to a solid mid-table position.

Now, the task is to improve this and potentially push into the top half, and if the club sign Jordan Thompson, they could be one step closer to achieving this.

Freddie Potts will now return to West Ham after his season-long loan at Portsmouth (credit: Imago)

Jordan Thompson the ideal replacement for Potts at Portsmouth

The departure of Freddie Potts will no doubt be a massive loss for Portsmouth next season.

The midfielder made 37 appearances in the Championship for Pompey, scoring once and picking up four assists.

Now, the 21-year-old is set to depart the club and return to West Ham after his season-long loan.

A big question for Mousinho this summer will be how he replaces such a crucial cog in his side. However, an instant replacement is now available.

Stoke City confirmed via their official website on Monday (5 May) that Thompson will be released by the Potters at the end of the campaign.

The experienced 28-year-old had made nearly 200 appearances in the second tier for the Staffordshire side and would be the perfect Potts replacement.

Jordan Thompson's career stats
Permanent clubs	Rangers, Blackpool, Stoke City
Championship appearances	178
Goals	10
Northern Ireland caps	39

Thompson has been a presence in the Championship for some time

Not only does Thompson have a complete understanding of the Championship, but he is also an international player, picking up 39 caps for Northern Ireland.

His experience and ability could prove to be crucial for Portsmouth if they are to continue their rise up the table, not least the fact he plays in the same position - and others.

John Mousinho will need to be smart in the transfer window (Credit: Imago)

Portsmouth need to be smart in the transfer window

Crucially, Portsmouth must not waste money this summer. What Mousinho has done so far on a small budget has been sensational.

With many other teams in the Championship spending unnecessary amounts of poor signings, Pompey instead need to be smart.

Thompson would be an excellent addition and would almost certainly improve the starting XI for no cost.

If the club can target players of this ability who are available for free, there is every chance that Portsmouth could finish in the top half next season.

Freddie Potts