Rob Atkinson phonecall set as Portsmouth given early transfer update
Portsmouth fans have been clinging onto the hope of signing Rob Atkinson permanently, after securing Championship survival with relative ease.
The 26-year-old assisted Pompey’s fight for survival, helping them to 16th and five points above relegation despite failing to achieve a win in their first 10 matches.
Atkinson’s most memorable contribution came in April, scoring two goals in the 2-2 draw against relegation rivals Derby, saving them at the very end.
The Bristol City loanee featured in 14 matches for Pompey since joining in January, establishing himself as a reliable figure in the back line.
A permanent move to Fratton Park appeared possible, having not made a single league appearance for Bristol City this season after an injury blow, but Liam Manning may have poured cold water over that.
Atkinson blow could be crushing for Portsmouth
Earlier this month, Portsmouth sporting director Richard Hughes confirmed talks would happen with the defender over another move.
However, in a recent interview with BBC Radio Bristol (May 19), Robins manager, Manning, addressed the defender’s situation and a decision that could change summer plans at Fratton Park.
“At the minute, he’s our player – that doesn’t change for me,” he said.
“I’m going to have a call with Rob soon to get everything out of the way and then I’ll have a meeting with him as well to have a discussion with how it went.
“It was good to see him have minutes, and when you look at it from that perspective, it was a good loan for him, but I think I could have done with him.
“It’s one of those. I think he’ll be coming back here.”
Portsmouth’s summer transfer plans
As a return for Atkinson seems unlikely, Portsmouth will now need to look for a replacement, as suggestions indicate that at least one central defender will be added to the squad.
| Matches played | 14 |
| Minutes played | 1,101 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Duels won | 75.2% |
BBC journalist Andrew Moon spoke on the Who Needs Mourinho podcast (14 May), saying that regardless of Atkinson’s future, one defender will be wanted.
Reports have suggested that Portsmouth are looking to tap into overseas markets for their summer transfers, so it could be a rogue target that appears.
The priority remains attackers and midfielders who fit into a high-press style of play, but a defensive addition in the summer should help in the 2025/26 championship campaign.
Portsmouth have begun the search elsewhere already, with links to Sutton United’s 20-year-old defender Jack Taylor.
Taylor has attracted interest from Championship teams Bristol City and Millwall, as well as Premier League teams Tottenham, West Ham and Brentford.
A new addition would strengthen the team prior to the new season, as Conor Shaughnessy has been battling fitness issues all season at Fratton Park.
They say never fall in love with a loan player, and Portsmouth fans could find that out the hard way with Atkinson after these latest updates.