Portsmouth to ‘raid Luton for Mousinho favourite’ after relegation
Portsmouth have kick-started their transfer window plans as they look to build on a positive first season back in the Championship.
John Mousinho’s options have already been bolstered by the arrival of Australian star forward Adrian Segecic, after his deal expired with Sydney FC.
But further signings are set to follow, with Pompey keen to better the 54 points which saw them finish 16th last season.
With Luton unexpectedly relegated last season, the Blues and Mousinho could now raid the open doors of Kenilworth Road in the coming weeks.
Portsmouth to target Shandon Baptiste
Luton Town’s relegation could present market opportunities for several clubs, with the Hatters having competed in the Premier League for the 2023/24 season.
One player who appears to be on the move is Shandon Baptiste, despite the midfielder having joined the club just one year ago.
The Grenada international made the switch from Brentford upon the end of his contract but faced an injury-riddled season in the Championship, making just 16 league appearances.
But Portsmouth could offer the 27-year-old a route back into the second division, according to Hayters TV.
Baptiste has returned to full fitness following the end of the season and could be granted a move by Luton, with Oxford United also among the interested clubs.
The midfielder holds links to both clubs, having started his professional career with Oxford, where he was favoured under now-Portsmouth boss Mousinho for three years.
Portsmouth are aiming high
Baptiste would represent a promising signing for Portsmouth, who are aiming for an eventual, long-awaited return to the Premier League.
While the midfielder’s struggles with injury are well-documented, his pedigree cannot be argued against.
Baptiste was a regular for Thomas Frank’s Brentford following their promotion to the Premier League in 2021.
Often selected from the bench, the 27-year-old offered a reliable option for Frank, making 55 Premier League appearances before his departure.
An addition of such experience would go far to offset the arrival of the comparatively inexperienced Segecic.
Just 21, Portsmouth will represent the forward’s first permanent move outside of Australia, following a loan move to Dutch side Dordrecht in the 2023/24 season.
Segecic’s talent cannot be argued, however, with the winger’s 13 goals last season earning him the joint award of the A-League golden boot.
Portsmouth’s return to England’s second division is, for now, still in its infancy. While stability within must be prioritised, they must ensure they keep looking up, rather than down.
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