Darke reveals what he has heard about Portsmouth return for Freddie Potts – Exclusive
Portsmouth fans would love to see Freddie Potts return next season.
The 21-year-old was a key asset in the engine room for John Mousinho‘s side as Pompey avoided relegation from the Championship by a five-point margin.
The West Ham loanee made 37 appearances in the second tier for the Fratton Park outfit, notching five goal contributions in the process.
However, doubts remain over whether the South Coast side could tempt him or the Irons to sanction another loan move.
Portsmouth return ruled out for Potts
It seems increasingly more unlikely that Potts will feature again for Pompey after his remarkable loan stint ended.
Famous commentator and Blues supporter Ian Darke shared what he has heard about a potential return for the Hammers ace next season.
Speaking exclusively to Pompey News, he said: “What I’m hearing is that it is unlikely that he will come back to Portsmouth.
“I think he has probably got to the point, because he was pretty classy and it was a good loan, he enjoyed it, West Ham may give him a chance in their midfield next season.
“We shall see, or maybe he might get loaned out somewhere else in the Premier League or the top half of the Championship.
“It was a lovely loan from all perspectives, he will leave a big hole for Pompey to fill in the summer, but I don’t think he will be coming back.”
Portsmouth need to repeat Potts’ trick
It seems like Mousinho and Co will have to look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements as they are unlikely to seal a deal for Potts to come back.
| Stats (Championship) | Potts |
| Matches | 37 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Minutes played | 3,062 |
The former Burton Albion man could repeat the trick with a player from a different Premier League outfit, as he has already shown that he can work wonders with top-tier loanees.
Mousinho was reportedly interested in a move for Crystal Palace gem Hindolo Mustapha, but that potential move was shot down by BBC journalist Andrew Moon (16 May).
The Eisners need to back Mousinho in the summer, otherwise they risk another tense relegation battle and it may not go their way this time.