Portsmouth can ‘seal Rob Atkinson transfer now’ after new manager twist
Portsmouth could potentially reignite their interest in bringing Rob Atkinson to Fratton Park on a permanent basis amid a development elsewhere.
After joining Portsmouth on loan in January from Bristol City, Atkinson established himself as a vital part of John Mousinho’s backline.
The defender made 14 appearances during the second half of the season as the South East club avoided relegation upon their return to the Championship.
Despite Mousinho wanting to bring Atkinson to Portsmouth permanently, it seemed unlikely, but a recent development may have reopened what was once a closed door.
Portsmouth could sign Atkinson after Bristol City’s change of manager
Portsmouth sadly had to wave goodbye to Atkinson following their 1-1 draw with Hull as he returned to his parent club.
Bristol City boss Liam Manning appeared to block any potential move away from Ashton Gate in the summer for the defender, claiming he still had a future at Bristol City.
However, the 39-year-old manager has been heavily linked with taking over at Norwich City.
Reports from Bristol Live (27 May) suggest that Manning’s move to Carrow Road could be completed soon.
This could allow Portsmouth to seal the Atkinson transfer now, with the managerial uncertainty going on in Bristol.
The Blues’ sporting director Richard Hughes claimed he plans to hold talks with Atkinson regarding a permanent move to the South Coast.
Pompey should do everything possible to sign Atkinson
Despite Portsmouth’s chief executive, Andy Cullen, claiming the club plans to look abroad when recruiting players in the transfer window, signing Atkinson must be a priority.
Whilst signing players from overseas could lead to bargain success stories like Nicolas Schmid, it is a riskier approach that has left some supporters concerned.
At 26, Atkinson brings a wealth of Championship experience with him.
He has 74 appearances under his belt in the second tier as well as a further 41 appearances in League 1.
Having someone who knows English football will be an extremely valuable addition to Mousinho’s squad, especially if the other signings Portsmouth make have never played in the Championship before.
The towering defender knows exactly how the club and its manager operate.
Bringing in a safer signing like Atkinson, who’s already proven to be a success, could complement their riskier overseas recruitment nicely.
This could be exactly what Pompey need to further establish themselves in the Championship.