Kusini Yengi shares ‘devastating’ reason why he was binned by Portsmouth
Kusini Yengi was released by Portsmouth earlier this month following the expiry of his contract.
The Australian forward was a key figure in the squad that lifted the League One title in the 2023-24 season.
However, he has been unable to establish himself in the Championship, and Portsmouth have decided not to renew his deal.
Now, Yengi has spoken out about the reason he believes he was axed.
Yengi names ‘devastating’ reason for Portsmouth release
In an interview with Fox Sports (30 May), Yengi blamed the injuries he sustained throughout the season as the key factor behind his release.
The 26-year-old picked up several knocks during international breaks, where he would travel long distances to represent his native Australia.
And he believes this was why the Portsmouth hierarchy opted not to offer him a new deal.
He said: “They were banking on me coming back and being fit and ready to kick on and help us with our survival in the Championship this year, and every time I went away to national team camp, I came back injured.
“I can only imagine how frustrating that was for the fans, and for the club, and for myself. It was devastating. It’s not like I wanted to go away and come back injured.”
Portsmouth are short of first-team strikers following Yengi’s departure and will likely be looking to add more during the summer transfer window.
Yengi will be remembered fondly by Pompey fans
It wouldn’t be surprising if the Portsmouth hierarchy were annoyed by Yengi’s injuries last season.
A particularly frustrating incident occurred back in November when Yengi suffered a knee injury playing for Australia against Bahrain. The striker completed the match and scored a 96th-minute equaliser, but then missed several weeks of the Championship season.
Of course, the club would have known about Yengi’s international commitments before signing him, but that doesn’t make the injuries any less of a burden.
| Appearances | Minutes Played | Goals | Assists |
| 14 | 534 | 0 | 0 |
Ultimately, Yengi will be fondly remembered for the role he played in helping Pompey win the League One title.
However, the forward struggled to make an impact at Championship level, even when he was fit. Mousinho had previously suggested as much earlier in the season.
Ultimately, it was a sensible move to let him go.
Yengi has been linked with a move to Wycombe Wanderers, and he has proven he can score goals in League One.
Portsmouth fans will wish him the best, and he’ll receive a good reception at Fratton Park if he ever returns.