Portsmouth board ‘could be left red-faced’ by Kusini Yengi development
Portsmouth are working behind the scenes to build a stronger squad in this summer’s transfer window.
The South Coast side did well to register a 16th-place finish after their promotion to the Championship this term.
However, it’s widely accepted that they’ll need to recruit some big names to avoid a relegation scrap next season.
There has been no news of new signings for Pompey fans to enjoy yet this summer. The club has only released players following the expiry of their contracts.
And there has been one decision that threatens to leave the Portsmouth hierarchy red-faced.
Yengi out to prove Portsmouth wrong for releasing him
The release of Kusini Yengi was perhaps the most surprising news when Portsmouth published their retained list.
Yengi had played a pivotal role in helping get Pompey promoted to the Championship, although he struggled for fitness and form once they got there.
Yengi blamed his injuries for not being able to seal a deal at Fratton Park, but there are clubs who still believe he can score goals at a high level.
Aberdeen are reportedly in talks to bring Yengi to Pittodrie, where he would be in contention for regular European football. The Dons will either play in the Europa League or the Conference League next season after winning the Scottish Cup in May.
If the 26-year-old ends up banging in the goals against European giants next year, it could leave egg on the face of those who decided to let him leave Fratton Park.
Portsmouth will wish Yengi well in his future endeavours
Yengi was a fan favourite and a popular figure among teammates.
John Mousinho has spoken highly of him, even after letting him go.
No-one at the club would resent the Australian if he went on to thrive elsewhere in Europe.
If that happens, it wouldn’t mean that Portsmouth were wrong to let him go. He went scoreless in 14 games for the Blues this season.
Sometimes, a talented player doesn’t fit well at a certain club at a certain time.
| Appearances | Minutes Played | Goals | Assists |
| 14 | 534 | 0 | 0 |
Certainly, Portsmouth can’t afford to be handing out big-money contracts to players who haven’t earned it.
Now that Yengi has said his goodbyes, the focus should switch to finding a suitable replacement for him during this summer’s transfer window.
It seems as if a move for Abdoulie Manneh is now off the table, but there are plenty of alternatives available.