Rich Hughes reveals he wants Portsmouth to complete ‘outstanding’ midfielder signing
Portsmouth are working hard behind the scenes to improve their squad ready for their second season in the Championship.
The Blues did remarkably well to secure their place in the second tier with two games to spare this season, ultimately registering a 16th-place finish.
But it’s generally believed they’ll have to be active in the summer transfer window to avoid another relegation scrap.
Sporting director Rich Hughes will play a key role in making that happen as he looks to help mould John Mousinho’s squad for the new campaign.
Hughes shares update on transfer target
Speaking with The News (29 May), Hughes revealed that Pompey would love to take young midfielder Freddie Potts back on loan again.
Potts was signed on a season-long loan from West Ham last summer and was a first-team regular at Fratton Park, registering 37 appearances and quickly becoming a fan favourite.
However, Hughes said that he expected Potts to play a starring role at West Ham next season.
“Fred has been outstanding for us, we’ve been delighted with him. We have helped him and he has definitely helped us. I don’t know whether he will come back to us, although I wouldn’t be surprised to see Fred in the Premier League next year,” he said.
“If there was a way of doing it we would love to, there would be no reticence on our part in terms of bringing him back. It’s just whether it’s going to be likely for him in terms of West Ham’s plans and thinking.”
Pompey fans shouldn’t hold their breath over Potts return
Potts added some much-needed energy and dynamism to the Portsmouth midfield last season; an impressive feat for a 21-year-old who had never played in the second tier before.
Pompey fans were chanting for the youngster to be signed permanently toward the end of the season, and Potts has spoken highly about his time at Fratton Park.
| Appearances | Minutes Played | Goals | Assists |
| 37 | 3062 | 1 | 4 |
John Mousinho is clearly a huge believer in Potts and should be given plaudits for bringing him into the team.
However, the communication has been consistent since the young midfielder returned to West Ham United. The club expects him to excel at a higher level, starting from next season.
It would be a welcome bonus if Potts returned to Fratton Park but Pompey fans shouldn’t hold their breath. The midfielder is destined for bigger things sooner rather than later.
Several other bright young midfielders have been linked with The Blues, including 18-year-old Palace playermaker Hindolo Mustapha, and the club will surely have a back-up plan if they can’t get Potts through the door.
One thing’s for sure, though, a new box-to-box midfielder should be a priority in this summer’s transfer window.