Portsmouth ‘must go all out’ to pull off Plymouth Argyle transfer coup
Portsmouth successfully steered themselves to Championship survival this season, which is not something Plymouth Argyle can say.
Even if Plymouth beat Leeds United on the final day of the Championship season this past Saturday, the Devon side would have been relegated thanks to their inferior goal difference.
Portsmouth became worried about the threat of relegation when they were beaten by Miron Muslic’s men on 12 March.
However, subsequent wins over Blackburn, Norwich and Watford ensured that John Mousinho’s men would not be joining Plymouth in League One next season.
Mustapha Bundu has had a stellar season at Plymouth
After beating Portsmouth on 12 March, the Pilgrims steered themselves to further victories over Norwich, Sheffield United, Coventry and Preston.
However, it proved not to be enough as Muslic’s men will compete in League One next term after suffering relegation.
| Mustapha Bundu stats | 2024/25 all competitions |
| Appearances | 42 |
| Goals | 11 |
| Assists | 6 |
But despite Plymouth’s struggles, Mustapha Bundu has had a top-drawer campaign, notching 11 goals and six assists in 42 outings across all competitions.
Portsmouth can capitalise on Plymouth’s relegation to sign Bundu
Some of Portsmouth’s best players this season have been their attackers, such as winger Josh Murphy, who was the Championship’s joint-top assist maker in 2024/25, creating 14 assists.
Meanwhile, forwards Colby Bishop and Callum Lang both enjoyed successful seasons, scoring 11 goals and 10 goals respectively in the second tier.
Lang’s double-figure haul came even though he suffered a hamstring injury in February and was unable to return to fitness, until appearing as a substitute in a 1-0 win over Watford on 21 April.
But as Mousinho’s men look to further solidify their Championship status next season, Mousinho will look to strengthen his forward options in the summer transfer window.
Bundu’s performances for Plymouth show that he could be an asset for Portsmouth next season, while he has been in particularly strong form in recent weeks, scoring four goals in his last four Championship outings.
Bundu deserves to be playing second-tier football next season, which is something Pompey can offer him, while Mousinho’s men should be keen to acquire the forward’s services.