Diangana can transform Mousinho’s side – Five free agents Portsmouth have to target
Portsmouth’s transfer activity could speed up in July, when many of their transfer targets officially become free agents.
Professional contracts in England almost always expire on 30 June, and while free agents can agree to join new clubs before this date, this part of the transfer market typically becomes more active in early July.
Below, Pompey News explore five free agents that Portsmouth may want to target.
Grady Diangana could transform Portsmouth
Grady Diangana is an attacking player who can play on either wing or potentially as a number 10.
He was signed for an astounding £18million by West Bromwich Albion in 2020. While he started brightly at The Hawthorns, his form tailed off, leading the Baggies to decide not to offer him a new contract.
But that doesn’t mean that John Mousinho couldn’t get the best out of the Congolese international.
There has supposedly been interest from Spain and Saudi Arabia for Diangana, but seemingly little from England.
His natural talent on the ball and ability to play in several positions would make Diangana an attractive signing for Pompey, especially on a free transfer.
His wages could prove to be a stumbling block, although it’s possible that Mousinho could deem him to be worth the money.
Portsmouth could target Sheffield Wednesday defender Akin Famewo
Sheffield Wednesday are going through financial troubles, which has left them unable to offer a decent new contract to defender Akin Famewo.
The 26-year-old is left-footed, and is able to fill in at full-back or as a centre-half.
He was featured consistently in the Championship for the Owls in 2023-24, but was less prominent last season.
Duncan Watmore a great option in attack
Duncan Watmore was let go from Millwall, but he could potentially be a good squad player to boost Pompey’s attack.
Watmore is still only 31 years old, but he knows the league well, having played for Middlesbrough before moving to the Den in 2023.
Craig Dawson could bring a wealth of experience to Portsmouth’s back line
Craig Dawson has played in the Premier League with Wolves, West Ham, West Brom and Watford.
He’s 35 years old now, and perhaps his days of marking the world’s elite strikers are behind him, but he could still do a job in Portsmouth’s back line.
Pompey have likely missed out on Rob Atkinson, as he has signed a new deal with Bristol City, but Dawson could be a free alternative.
John Swift deal isn’t dead in the water yet
A move for John Swift seemed like a real possibility for Portsmouth earlier in the summer, although it’s believed that Mousinho is currently looking for alternatives who would command a lower salary.
As things stand, Swift is still without a club. If it remains that way later in the summer and Portsmouth haven’t found a centre-midfielder, a deal could still be done.
| Appearances | Minutes Played | Goals | Assists |
| 37 | 1819 | 3 | 1 |
Swift was at West Brom for the past three seasons, but has now been deemed surplus to requirements.
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