‘Portsmouth could steal two midfield gems after events last week’
Portsmouth are in the hunt for a new midfield engine to replace loan superstar Freddie Potts.
Potts’ loan deal has finished and he’s widely expected to remain at his parent club West Ham United next season.
This has led many fans to suggest that recruiting a new midfielder should be a priority for Portsmouth.
Several names have already been linked with the Fratton Park side. However, two more talented players may emerge as targets following events in last weekend’s playoff finals.
Leyton Orient duo could be in Pompey’s sights
Leyton Orient midfielder Jordan Brown was one of the standout performers in League One this season. His all-action midfield displays helped to carry Leyton Orient to the playoff final.
The 23-year-old has been the gem in the O’s midfield ever since signing in 2022. He ran the show and scored when Leyton Orient 3-0 at Fratton Park last season.
| Signed | Age | Appearances | Goals |
| January 2022 | 23 | 142 | 7 |
The maturity in Brown’s performances suggests that he’s ready for a step up to the Championship.
However, Leyton Orient lost their promotion opportunity when they were beaten in the playoff final by Charlton Athletic, and now the club are resigned to losing their best players in the summer transfer window.
In an interview after the game, Orient manager Richie Wellens said: “Potentially you’re going to lose six or seven players, so it’s really difficult for me.”
Jamie Donley is a midfielder who’s even less likely to be starring in an Orient shirt again. The 20-year-old playmaker signed for the O’s on loan and lit up League One with eight goals and ten assists.
He has returned to Tottenham for now, but is expected to be loaned out again, potentially to a Championship side. He certainly looks capable of making the step up as well.
Mousinho has a proven eye for a young player
It’s no secret that Pompey are in the hunt for a midfield dynamo to replace Potts.
In an ideal world, Potts would return for a second loan deal, but that’s currently looking unlikely.
A lot of supporters are getting caught up in the speculation surrounding who could appear in the Blues’ midfield next season.
However, the PO4 club are likely to have one of the smallest transfer budgets in the Championship this summer.
So, they may be forced to gamble on unproven youngsters, whether that’s loan players from Premier League clubs or permanent signings from the lower leagues.
Thankfully, in John Mousinho, they have a manager with an eye for a young superstar. He proved that when he brought in Potts last season.
If the Pompey boss decides this Leyton Orient duo are worth a punt, fans should be confident in his decision.