Portsmouth finalise deal to sign Dane Bailey after Reading exit
Portsmouth’s summer transfer window could begin to gather pace after what has been a slow start.
Adrian Segecic stood as Pompey’s only new summer addition for several weeks, with the frontman the latest Australian to join the growing contingent at Fratton Park.
John Mousinho’s side have since added John Swift, with the midfielder returning to his boyhood club after being released by West Brom at the conclusion of the previous campaign.
Mousinho will be hopeful of concluding more business before the opening day of the Championship season, and Portsmouth have now finalised a deal to sign Dane Bailey.
Dane Bailey joins from Reading as Pompey announce seven scholars
Swift came through the academy ranks at Portsmouth to become a genuine star in the Championship, and the South Coast outfit now have their latest batch of scholars who will be hoping to achieve a similar feat in the future.
Portsmouth announced on Friday (18 July) that seven youngsters have been handed scholarships to join their U18 setup for the next two years.
Bailey is part of that group, having joined Pompey’s U16 ranks from Reading towards the end of the 2024/25 season.
The youngster is a striker who loves to play on the shoulder of the last man, but he can also operate anywhere along the front line.
The starlet is said to have showcased ample composure in front of goal during his short time with Portsmouth so far.
Portsmouth will hope to have discovered the next Swift or Ritchie
Swift’s arrival has helped to offset some of the disappointment surrounding Matt Ritchie’s imminent Portsmouth departure.
The 35-year-old returned to Fratton Park and played a crucial role in Mousinho’s side last term, but he is now set to leave once again after opting not to travel on the pre-season tour to Slovakia.
That duo serve as a timely reminder as to some of the hugely talented players that Pompey have produced over the years, and they will hope to have future Football League players within their current batch of scholars.
The likes of Bailey and his fellow youngsters will still be several years away from featuring in first-team conversations, but the fact that Portsmouth are clearly capable of attracting young players from other clubs shows the current strength of their youth setup.
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