Saydee ‘may be set’ to seal Portsmouth exit in new Mousinho development
John Mousinho’s comments appear to suggest that the end could be near for Christian Saydee’s time at Portsmouth.
While the 23-year-old played 29 league games, just 10 of them were from the start, suggesting that he’s not a first-team regular at Fratton Park.
The London-born striker’s contract at Pompey runs out at the end of the 2025/26 season.
Mousinho opens the door for Saydee to leave
Saydee’s potential departure from Portsmouth this summer could benefit all parties involved, while also allowing the club to secure a transfer fee before his contract expires in June 2026.
For the striker, a move offers the chance to secure regular starting minutes, crucial for the 23-year-old’s development, as only 10 starts in the 2024-25 Championship season suggest limited opportunities under Mousinho’s direct, pressing system, which doesn’t fully suit his physical, versatile style.
His cult-hero status, bolstered by seven goals in 73 appearances, including a memorable strike against Hull City, ensures interest from League One clubs, where he could thrive as a focal point.
| Player | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Saydee | 29 | 3 | 0 | 5 |
Speaking about his future, Mousinho said: “Christian’s had a pretty good season, to be honest.
“He played more games than he did in League One and he scored the same amount of goals that he did in League One. So he’s stepped up, scored some important goals and made some important contributions.
“Towards the end of the season when he came back from injury we used him in games, and he’s had a massive impact off the bench. That’s been important for us in some huge games.
“Chris is one where we love having him around and I think he’s had a brilliant Portsmouth career so far. There’s a bit of that cult hero about him for various reasons.
“There’s probably a balance there with Chris, where he might get an opportunity to get more minutes elsewhere.”
Portsmouth must consider selling Saydee
For Pompey, selling Saydee avoids losing him for free in 2026, providing funds to reinvest in targets, aligning with their ambition to strengthen for Championship stability.
The club’s shift to a high-pressing approach means Saydee’s departure frees up space for players better suited to Mousinho’s tactics, enhancing squad cohesion.
For the buying club, acquiring a proven Championship-capable forward with a unique physical presence at a reasonable cost represents a bargain.
Mousinho’s fair approach, not forcing Saydee out but allowing a move if better opportunities arise, reflects a balanced strategy that respects the player’s contributions while prioritising Portsmouth’s long-term goals, making this a pragmatic and mutually beneficial scenario.