Ryley Towler to leave Portsmouth with permanent transfer now close
Portsmouth defender Ryley Towler is close to leaving Fratton Park.
Following the departures of loan players such as Freddie Potts and Isaac Hayden, Pompey are also looking to make some permanent sales in the transfer window.
Blues’ supporters have been demanding more action this summer when it comes to recruitment ahead of their second campaign back in the Championship.
It is unlikely, however, that a sale of Towler was at the top of the list of priorities for supporters of the South Coast club.
Towler closing in on move to Lincoln City
Adrian Segecic is the only arrival of the window so far at Pompey, with plenty of work still to do for Andy Cullen and Co.
Towler, 24, joined Pompey back in January of 2023, where he would go on to make 20 appearances in the second half of the Blues’ League One campaign.
Since then, his involvement has been limited, featuring just six times in Pompey’s promotion-winning season from League One and just 12 times upon their return to the Championship.
| Ryley Towler | Championship stats (2024/25 season) |
| Appearences | 12 |
| Starts | 10 |
| Total Minutes | 934 |
According to Dan Marsh on X (7 July), Lincoln are closing in on signing the defender, who has no shortage of suitors from League One.
Moving to Lincoln would be a good move for Towler to reignite his career, as it is evident he is not favoured by Blues boss John Mousinho.
Exclusive: Lincoln City closing in on a deal for Ryley Towler. #WeAreImps are long-term admirers of the 23yo defender who is set to leave Portsmouth permanently. Been plenty of other L1 interest incl Luton Town but Lincoln now in pole position. #Pompeyhttps://t.co/9NLQxProoB pic.twitter.com/PP6GYwBy4o
— Dan Marsh (@DanielMarsh92) July 7, 2025
More signings needed for Mousinho
With Pompey’s defensive injury crisis now averted and Mousinho having six centre backs available at his disposal in pre-season, it is unlikely that another defender will be at the top of his shopping list.
Midfield is more likely to be a position that will be addressed, with the Blues having an interest in Silkeborg IF’s Pelle Mattsson.
If Mousinho wants to land his midfield target, then he will have to fight off competition from Norwich City, who are said to have put a £1.7million bid in for the midfielder, which has since been rejected.
Pompey may have to get a move on if they don’t want to lose out on the signing to a direct rival in the Championship, with action needed quickly around the squad.
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