Portsmouth want new No 10 signing as two defender deals now off the table
Portsmouth fans have found out John Mousinho’s transfer intentions this summer at Fratton Park.
Multiple signings are needed at Pompey if they are to build on their success from this season.
However, Portsmouth have already been weakened before the transfer window has even begun.
Both Freddie Potts and Rob Atkinson have returned to their parent clubs, with Pompey now unlikely to re-sign the latter star.
Portsmouth set to miss out on Rob Atkinson as Jack Taylor talk is rubbished
One of Portsmouth’s main targets this summer was Atkinson.
The defender spent the second half of the campaign at Fratton Park on loan from Bristol City.
Mousinho expressed his desire to bring Atkinson back to Portsmouth permanently as they looked to strengthen their backline.
However, The News (22 May) have claimed that the deal is likely off the table, with Bristol City boss Liam Manning indicating that he will stay.
On top of this, Portsmouth have been linked to Sutton United’s Jack Taylor as a possible alternative to Atkinson. However, the article goes on to say that these rumours are “wide of the mark”.
Instead, Portsmouth are turning its attention to strengthening its attacking areas.
A new number 10 is wanted by Mousinho on top of a winger and a striker.
The midfield is also viewed as a priority area ahead of the transfer window opening on 1 June.
Mousinho cannot ignore Portsmouth’s backline
While a new midfielder has to be the priority for Portsmouth this summer, they cannot ignore the backline.
The loss of Atkinson is going to be a sucker punch for Pompey and his missing presence in the defence will be a big miss.
Therefore, a replacement has to be found or the South Coast club risks having another nervous backline at the start of the season.
Hopefully, after a midfielder is brought into the club, Mousinho will then find a replacement and bring him in as soon as possible.