Portsmouth announce Dahou transfer as delighted manager speaks out
Portsmouth Women have made several signings so far this summer.
After narrowly surviving relegation from the now rebranded WSL2, Pompey are not wasting time adding to their squad.
Goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor and Tia Primmer were recently signed by Portsmouth Women.
Now the South Coast club have added Jemima Dahou to their roster as they look to avoid another relegation battle for the 2025/26 campaign.
Jay Sadler delighted by Dahou transfer
Portsmouth’s addition of Dahou is no doubt an exciting one.
The 19-year-old had been at Blackburn Rovers last season, where she made 20 appearances in the second tier.
However, Rovers controversially made the decision to withdraw from the professional game this summer, which left many players without a club.
| Jemima Dahou at Blackburn Rovers last season | |
| Appearances | 24 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 3 |
Previously, the attacking midfielder had been at WSL giants Manchester City, where she earned her professional debut.
Now, Portsmouth have confirmed on their official website (24 July) that Dahou has signed a two-year contract at the South Coast club, with Pompey having the option of an additional 12 months.
Manager Jay Sadler was delighted that Portsmouth were able to get the transfer over the line ahead of the new campaign.
He said: “We’re delighted to bring Jemima to Portsmouth. She’s a natural talent who really impressed against us on the final day last season.
“She will bring a different option to our midfield, she’s a visionary player who sees and plays the game with real grace and intelligence.
“I’m genuinely excited to start working with her and supporting her development moving forward.”
Portsmouth need further additions this summer
Portsmouth Women were no doubt fortunate to avoid finishing bottom last season.
While relegation based on performance was eventually voided due to Blackburn’s and Reading’s withdrawal, a repeat is unlikely this season.
Two relegation spots have now returned to the second tier, a position the Fratton Park side only avoided by a point in the 2024/25 campaign due to their late surge in form.
With teams such as Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town coming up, the task to avoid relegation will be difficult.
Forest finished their 2024/25 season unbeaten with a domestic double whereas Ipswich picked up an impressive 54 points on their way to the title.
Therefore, further additions are a must for Sadler if Pompey are to have a comfortable campaign and not have to quickly collect points at the end of the new season.
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