Portsmouth ‘ready to do business for terrific’ permanent signing – Exclusive
Robert Atkinson has been a standout player for Portsmouth this season.
The 26-year-old has been a regular for John Mousinho‘s side when fit and made 14 appearances in the Championship as Pompey secured survival.
The Fratton Park outfit have been linked with a permanent move for the Bristol City loanee but the situation is up in the air due to the Robins’ involvement in the playoffs.
Portsmouth doubts over Atkinson move emerge
Mousinho’s side seem in a good position to sign Atkinson in the summer transfer market but doubts have emerged over a potential move.
TV Commentator and Blues fan Ian Darke believes that his injury record could scupper a deal and that it may depend on whether his parent club get promoted.
He also urged the 2008 FA Cup winners to be more careful when signing players in the future.
Speaking exclusively to Pompey News, he said: “I think that is the situation, if they go up, they might be prepared to do business for Rob Atkinson.
“He has been terrific for Pompey and he is an instant hit with the fans, quite clearly, I think the only worry would be his injury record.”
| Stats (Championship) | Atkinson |
| Matches | 14 |
| Minutes played | 1,101 |
| Pass accuracy | 76.8% |
| Ground duels won | 88 (75.2%) |
| Aerial duels won | 64 (74.4%) |
“I think that is something they have to look at a little more carefully with future signings because there are a couple whose injury records have not been good.
“I mean, Jordan Williams has been good when he has played but he has not played much and then he gets another injury, so, I would take a very careful look at any signings, how many average games do they get from those kinds of players in a season.
“The only thing with Atkinson, they might also think they have got Poole, Shaughnessy, Matthews is going to be fit again, so, I think if they got Atkinson, they would be pretty well stocked in that department.”
Atkinson can seal Portsmouth move
Sporting director Rich Hughes was respectful when talking about the situation and refused to speculate on a bid for the loanee, due to the Robins’ playoff hopes.
It looks as though they are set to be eliminated from contention for Premier League promotion after they were beaten 3-0 by Sheffield United (8 May).
However, Pompey may still be able to get a deal done for the centre-back as he will likely demand regular first-team football, something which City may not be able to offer regardless of which division they are in next season.