Abdoulie Manneh to sign – How Portsmouth could start next season
Portsmouth have started preparations for their second season in the Championship, and are expected to strengthen their squad in the summer transfer window.
John Mousinho will be pleased with his side’s 16th-place finish, but it’s widely agreed that he’ll need some recruits to build on that performance.
Some of Pompey’s star performers were loan signings who have now returned to their parent clubs, so Mousinho is likely to prioritise replacing them, or potentially bringing them back, this summer.
Portsmouth could sign Abdoulie Manneh this summer
Abdoulie Manneh is perhaps the most exciting name linked with a summer transfer to Portsmouth.
The Gambian forward, 20, is banging in the goals for Mjällby AIF in the Swedish Allsvenskan league.
His return of six goals in 12 games currently makes him the league’s joint top goalscorer.
| Abdoulie Manneh statistics 2025 | |
| Appearances | 12 |
| Minutes Played | 944 |
| Goals | 6 |
| Assists | 2 |
A host of English clubs have been linked with Manneh, including Burnley, Wolves and Brighton. He has been valued at around £4.25 million.
If Portsmouth were to land him, he’d likely go straight into Mousinho’s starting XI.
Rob Atkinson to return to Fratton Park
Rob Atkinson arrived at Fratton Park on loan from Bristol City last January, while the Blues were suffering from an injury crisis in defence.
The 26-year-old slotted effortlessly into Pompey’s back four and played a significant role in their Championship survival.
He has returned to Bristol City for now, but there are signs that Atkinson could return to Portsmouth permanently.
Mousinho wants him back at Fratton Park, and the defender has admitted he’d be excited to move.
Ultimately, this transfer will depend on whether Bristol City are willing to sell, and he could join Connor Ogilvie, Regan Poole and Jordan Williams at the back, ahead of Nicolas Schmid.
Portsmouth are seeking a new midfielder
Freddie Potts was a regular fixture in the centre of Portsmouth’s midfield last season, featuring in 37 games.
However, the 21-year-old’s loan deal is over, and he has returned to his parent club, West Ham United.
Mousinho would love to get Potts back on another loan, but he may have to look elsewhere for a replacement to go alongside Marlon Pack, or even Andre Dozzell.
Jordan Thompson and Darko Gyabi are among the midfielders linked with a move to Fratton Park, and both are likely to be available.
If Portsmouth could get one or two of these players in the door, they’d be in a good position to build on their 16th-place finish next season.
Josh Murphy, Matt Ritchie and Colby Bishop all shone this season to keep Pompey in the Championship, and that added stardust around them could take them to the level.