Portsmouth get Potts transfer answer after West Ham announcement
Portsmouth signed Freddie Potts on loan from West Ham last year, and the midfielder thrived in the Championship.
Potts established himself as a key player last season and became a popular figure at Pompey, who were keen to keep him at the club.
Portsmouth secured Championship survival and Potts was a crucial part of the team at the base of midfield, and West Ham clearly liked what they saw.
It now appears that Potts will be given a chance with the Premier League side, and an announcement today all but confirms this.
Potts given senior squad number at West Ham
John Mousinho was keen on bringing Potts back after his successful loan, but this appears to have been ruled out of contention.
West Ham have now announced that Potts will take the number 32 shirt next season, and referred to him as a senior player.
| Portsmouth loan signings 2024-25 | |
| Freddie Potts | returned to West Ham United |
| Issac Hayden | returned to Newcastle United |
| Rob Atkinson | returned to Bristol City |
| Adil Aouchiche | returned to Sunderland |
| Mark O’Mahony | returned to Brighton |
| Kaide Gordon | returned to Liverpool |
This indicates that he will be given a chance under Graham Potter at West Ham, and the 21-year-old will not be loaned back to Portsmouth this summer.
Potts made 38 appearances for Pompey last season, and fans will now be gutted that a return to Fratton Park no longer seems possible.
Portsmouth should keep an eye on Potts
Despite this new announcement, Portsmouth should keep an eye on how Potts gets on at West Ham, given the chaotic season they just had.
If Potts is not given a proper chance in the first team, Portsmouth could attempt to bring him back on loan in January, and with West Ham seemingly wanting to sign a midfielder, this is within the realm of possibility.
The midfielder will be very tough to replace for Mousinho, but while fans would like to see him perform well in the Premier League, many will hope that he is overlooked by Potter and that this leads to an eventual return.
Portsmouth appear to be close to signing John Swift, but may also be keen on another defensive midfielder to help replace the West Ham loanee ahead of what promises to be a tough season.
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