Andy Cullen shares why Portsmouth must wait for Freddie Potts-like deal
John Mousinho looks to be building an exciting team for the new Championship season.
The signing of Adrian Segecic is an exciting one for Pompey, with the Australian adding some much-needed firepower to the Blues’ forward line.
Pelle Mattsson could also prove to be a shrewd signing if Pompey can secure their man, with the midfielder currently playing for Danish side Silkeborg IF.
The signing of Mattsson would be a step in the right direction when it comes to replacing Freddie Potts and Isaac Hayden, who both returned to their parent clubs after their loan spells at Fratton Park.
Andy Cullen makes transfer strategy admission
Various loan players have impressed during their stay on the South Coast in recent years, and despite Rob Atkinson and others not joining the Blues permanently – though there is still hope Atkinson could still happen – they have proven to be valuable assets to Mousinho.
Potts was the jewel in the crown of Mousinho’s Pompey side last season as the West Ham loanee helped Portsmouth avoid the drop.
Signing a player of Potts’ ability permanently is a luxury that Portsmouth cannot afford, meaning they will have to enter the loan market again to find another promising youngster in need of first-team football.
Speaking to The News (1 July), Pompey’s CEO Andy Cullen revealed that Pompey will have to be patient to make a signing similar to how they did with Potts due to the Club World Cup and European Under-21 Championship meaning clubs could be delayed in their decision making.
“It is going to be much later because of things like the European Under-21s Championship and Club World Cup,” Cullen said.
“What I have seen over the last 2-3 years is that Premier League teams now all go abroad for pre-season, particularly to the United States and Far East, and tend to take the whole squads with them, including the under-21s.
“You can do all the talking, but you can’t actually sign the deal until later in the window when they return and have made the decisions about which players they want to stay and which they are prepared to let go.
“That is what we saw with Freddie Potts last season.”
| Freddie Potts | Stats (Championship 2024/25) |
| Appearences | 37 |
| Minutes per game | 83 |
| Total minutes played | 3062 |
If another youngster from a Premier League side is brought in to replace Potts, they will have an almighty task.
Relying on youthful loans is a risk for Portsmouth
While Potts may have been a success, it is not a guarantee that another young player will be.
Premier League clubs loan these players out to get first-team football, with the majority having little to no experience playing at the senior level.
The Championship is a physical league that will punish young players who are not ready for men’s football.
If Portsmouth rely on youth in midfield, surrounding them with experienced players like Craig Dawson, who is available on a free transfer, would be a good idea.