Portsmouth want to sign £2m ex-Manchester United midfielder
Portsmouth need to strengthen their midfield ahead of their second season back in the Championship.
John Mousinho will be keen to replace the outgoing Freddie Potts and Isaac Hayden, who have both returned to their parent clubs after their loan spells.
Potts, in particular, was superb for Portsmouth last term, making 37 appearances as the club finished 16th.
A return to Fratton Park seems unlikely for Potts, who has been tipped to make an impact in the Premier League by Pompey sporting director Rich Hughes.
The Blues will need to find other alternatives to fill the hole left by the 21-year-old.
Portsmouth want Reading playmaker amid interest from other clubs
Portsmouth are already looking to strengthen in other positions this transfer window, however, midfield reinforcements must be a priority.
Charlie Savage, like Potts, also enjoyed a successful season, with the Welshman being critical to Reading’s success in League One.
Savage, 22, featured 45 times for Reading last season as they narrowly missed out on a place in the play-offs.
| Charlie Savage | Stats in League 1 (2024/25) |
| Appearences | 45 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 9 |
| Total Minutes Played | 3500 |
According to Football Insider (3 June), the creative midfielder has attracted interest from Birmingham City, Wrexham and Portsmouth following his impressive campaign.
Reading are said to value the youngster at around £2million.
Charlie, son of former Premier League regular Robbie, is a product of Manchester United’s youth academy and made his debut for the Welsh national side in 2023.
Portsmouth will need to fend off some stiff competition if they want to bring Savage to Fratton Park.
Savage signing would be smart business
The bookies have tipped Portsmouth to struggle again in the Championship next season.
Bringing in Savage to replace the departing Potts could be a smart business move, especially considering the low fee.
Mousinho’s side would have an opportunity to strengthen a weak point in their squad and to take a transfer target away from two Championship rivals.
Savage is also at an age where he will likely improve, and playing at a higher level could potentially accelerate his development.
Pompey are set to recruit from overseas this summer. Signing a player with experience in English football who is ready to take the next step in his career could help Portsmouth avoid relegation.