Mousinho confirms Portsmouth signing he’s ‘perfectly happy’ to sign off on
Portsmouth have made a series of controversial decisions this month regarding the future of their squad.
John Mousinho has not been shy to get rid of players who he feels have no future at Fratton Park.
Portsmouth released numerous players in their retained list as they prepare for the 2025/26 campaign.
Now, signings will be expected to replace the key members of the team who have been lost.
Rob Atkinson is one star who has been expected to depart this summer, however, Mousinho remains hopeful that a deal can be done with Bristol City.
Portsmouth ‘willing’ to do deal with Bristol City for Atkinson
Atkinson was signed by Portsmouth in January on loan until the end of the season.
At Fratton Park, the defender impressed and became a key player as the South Coast side avoided relegation.
However, with his loan deal set to expire by the month’s end, the 26-year-old is expected to depart Pompey.
Nevertheless, Mousinho remains determined to bring Atkinson back to Fratton Park next season.
During an interview with BBC Sounds (14 May), the Portsmouth manager explained that the club are “perfectly willing” to make a deal for Atkinson and are waiting to see how Bristol City feel about the potential transfer.
He said: “Bristol City will still have all their work to do at the back end of the season. After assessing the backend of the playoff defeat, they still have the retained list to do.
“A lot of clubs who finished their season two weeks ago still haven’t published that, so there is still work to do for the sides who have only just finished their season.
“We will wait to see what they do with that, there is no rush.
“Everybody knows that we are there, and we are perfectly willing if there is a deal to be done for Rob.
“But obviously, Rob is Bristol City’s player, and we have got to see what they want to do with him first.
“We haven’t made that phone call, but both parties are fully aware of the situation.”
Portsmouth need to get Atkinson back at Fratton Park
Going into the summer transfer window, Atkinson needs to be one of Portsmouth’s top targets.
The defender was fantastic in his loan spell and became a core part of the group.
| Rob Atkinson at Portsmouth | |
| Appearances | 14 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Clean sheets | 3 |
On top of this, the 26-year-old was part of the team whose form in 2025 was unbelievable.
When considering this factor, Mousinho should look to keep as many players who were part of this sensational run as possible.
Hopefully, when Bristol City have assessed their squad in the coming weeks, a deal can be done for Atkinson to bring him back to Fratton Park.