John Mousinho reacts as new Portsmouth contract confirmed
Portsmouth have business to do if they are to improve on their stellar first season back in the Championship.
John Mousinho guided Pompey to an unlikely second-tier stay, despite spending the opening months of the season in the relegation zone.
Now, there is cause for optimism on the South Coast as they strive to build a team to climb the Championship table.
Indeed, the wheels are already in motion, with details of a new contract emerging at Fratton Park.
Portsmouth confirm new Ben Kilip contract
Mousinho possesses a squad brimming with quality, with the likes of Josh Murphy, Colby Bishop, and Connor Ogilvie among their star performers.
The South Coast side have already lost a couple of key players, though, as Freddie Potts and Isaac Hayden returned to their parent clubs after successful loans.
Mousinho has holes to fill if he is to build a squad capable of rising up the Championship table.
Portsmouth have already made some early moves, with goalkeeper Ben Killip signing a new deal.
The 29-year-old has signed fresh terms which will keep him at Fratton Park for a further two years.
Killip arrived from League One outfit Barnsley at the end of January on a short-term deal and made two Championship appearances.
| Ben Killip’s 2024/25 Championship statistics | Total |
| Appearances | 2 |
| Goals conceded | 2 |
| Saves per game | 3.5 (78%) |
| Goals prevented | 0.51 |
| Touches | 50.2 |
| Accurate passes | 23.5 (57%) |
Mousinho immediately spoke of his joy at Killip extending his stay on the South Coast until 2027.
He said: “We’re delighted that Ben will be remaining at the club, and our goalkeeping options look particularly strong.
“He complements the other guys we have here really well, and that competition should bring out the best in all of them.”
Pompey must now find Potts replacement
The departure of Potts has left a gaping hole in Portsmouth’s midfield now that he has returned to West Ham, looking for a shot at Premier League football.
Potts was outstanding all season for Pompey and showed a level of maturity far greater than his 21 years, especially in a gruelling Championship slog.
However, he has returned to the London Stadium, where he is aiming to make an impact on the first team.
An obvious route to signing a replacement for Potts would be to utilise the loan market once more as Premier League clubs let players leave to gather first-team minutes.
Whoever Mousinho brings in will play an instrumental role in the rise of Portsmouth again.