Mousinho sends Sunderland thank-you message as Portsmouth make transfer announcement
Portsmouth have begun their planning for the new season after surviving in the Championship.
John Mousinho faces a tough task to improve his squad and take them out of another relegation battle next season.
Pompey ensured survival by a five-point margin in the campaign that has just concluded but they will have to do it all again next season, perhaps without several key players who were in Hampshire on temporary deals.
Portsmouth announce Aouchiche exit
Pompey have released their retained list after the season concluded and Adil Aouchiche will return to Sunderland after his loan spell finished.
In the announcement, Mousinho sent a thank-you message to the clubs that loaned the Fratton Park outfit players, which ultimately helped them stay in the second tier when they were expected to struggle.
He said: “We would like to thank all those players leaving the club for their service and wish them nothing but the best for the next stage of their careers.
“I would also like to thank Sunderland, Bristol City, Liverpool, Newcastle, West Ham and Brighton for loaning us their players, all of whom had a role to play in securing our Championship status.”
Aouchiche exit will not harm Portsmouth
The Frenchman’s departure will not hurt Pompey supporters too much, he notched just one goal and two assists in 20 matches in the league.
The 22-year-old made just 12 starts and played a total of 979 minutes for Mousinho’s side this season, which is nowhere near enough to make a significant impact after joining on loan in the winter transfer window.
| Stats (Championship) | Aouchiche |
| Matches | 20 |
| Starts | 12 |
| Goals/Assists | 3 |
| Minutes played | 979 |
The 2023-24 League One winners will probably rely on several loan deals again as they seek survival and perhaps even more but Aouchiche will surely not be back, given his underwhelming campaign this time around, and the potential fact he’ll be needed at Sunderland [Mackem News].
Famous TV commentator and Pompey supporter Ian Darke has warned that the Blues need to be better with their business in the offseason if they are to secure their place in the division or take a step towards the Premier League next season.
The boss has suggested that he would be open to bringing the Black Cats ace in permanently, however, given his limited output, he should reconsider that stance and move on to a different target, one that can contribute more.
His future may depend on whether Regis Le Bris’ side are promoted to the top-flight but regardless, the PO4 outfit should avoid signing him again, even if the opportunity presents itself in the summer.