Credit:Imago

Jack Dawson

Wed 11 June 2025 15:47, UK

Portsmouth are looking for a new defender in the summer transfer window, and Jonathan Tomkinson could be an early arrival.

Rob Atkinson is back at Bristol City after a successful loan spell at Fratton Park; however, it is currently unclear if the defender will be allowed to return as the Robins search for a new manager.

On top of this, back-up centre-back Alexander Milosevic was released by Portsmouth last month, meaning Pompey have even less depth going into the 2025/26 campaign.

Therefore, a new defender coming into Fratton Park is vital this summer.

Portsmouth ready for Tomkinson transfer

Portsmouth have had minimal players linked so far this summer, much to the frustration of the fanbase. 

However, it now appears that the South Coast club could sign a new defender in the coming weeks, with Larry Henry Jr reporting interest in Norwich centre-back Tomkinson.

The Athletic journalist has shared Pompey joining the race after a “late surge” to survive relegation last season in the Championship.

The 23-year-old spent the second half of the 2024/25 campaign on loan to Ross County from Norwich City, suffering relegation.

The American has plenty of interest, with Stockport County, Reading, Rotherham United all in the race alongside Pompey.

Tomkinson unlikely to be good enough for regular football at Portsmouth

While Tomkinson could prove to be a solid backup at Fratton Park next season, he is unlikely to be good enough for regular first-team football.

The 23-year-old has only ever made one appearance in the second tier, with the defender previously being loaned out to Stevenage and Bradford City. 

Hopefully, John Mousinho is wary of this, and will only look to bring in the defender as a rotation option.

At 23 years old, Tomkinson still has time to develop into a Championship centre-back, which could make him an attractive signing on a free.

This is one to watch as the window prepares to re-open next week.