Mousinho ‘shows Portsmouth value again’ as reasons behind Segecic transfer emerge
John Mousinho is on the brink of landing his first Portsmouth signing of this summer’s transfer window.
It was reported on Tuesday (17 June) that Adrian Segecic has chosen to sign for Portsmouth over several other clubs.
The Australian striker is now believed to be finalising a long-term deal at Fratton Park.
And the reasons why Segecic chose Fratton Park over other destinations are now emerging from the Australian media.
Segecic wanted to work with Mousinho after success of other Australian signings
Several European clubs were monitoring Segecic following his string of consistent performances for Sydney FC. The 21-year-old fired in 18 goals in 35 appearances last season.
However, it was suggested that Segecic would choose the club that best favoured his career development, rather than whoever would offer him the most money.
That boded well for Portsmouth, who had previously given opportunities to four Australian players from the A-League.
And now, the News.Com.Au (17 June) has reported that the deciding factor for Segecic was the opportunity to work alongside Mousinho and these fellow Australians.
He’ll join Thomas Waddingham, Hayden Matthews and Jacob Farrell in the Portsmouth squad next season.
Segecic transfer further shows the value of Mousinho and RIch Hughes
It’s no coincidence that Portsmouth will now have signed five players from the Australian A-League.
Sporting director Rich Hughes is believed to have identified this league as a source of untapped potential some time ago.
Mousinho took his colleague’s advice, and this has ultimately led to Pompey signing the division’s most exciting young player.
The jury is still out on all of these players.
Matthews, Waddingham and Farrell enjoyed bright starts to their Pompey careers but were halted by nasty injuries.
Kusini Yengi, who was also signed from Australia, was a useful player in League One but didn’t do enough in the Championship last season.
And, of course, Segecic will need to prove that he can bring his rich goalscoring form with him to England.
Still, the potential for Portsmouth’s remaining Australians is there for everyone to see.
Both Mousinho and Hughes deserve their flowers for giving these young stars their opportunity.