Credit: Imago

Joe Elvin

Sat 26 July 2025 15:00, UK

Portsmouth have made Luke Le Roux their latest summer signing.

Le Roux arrives at Fratton Park from Swedish side IFK Varnamo for an undisclosed fee.

The 25-year-old has nine caps for South Africa and plays in central midfield. His signing will most likely end Portsmouth’s recruitment drive in the centre of the park, since the club have also signed John Swift and Mark Kosznovszky this summer.

Portsmouth fans already love Le Roux after his first interview

The signing of Le Roux wasn’t exactly a surprise.

A few days ago, Portsmouth fans indulged in some investigative journalism to identify a picture of him leaving a local hotel, which led to widespread rumours of him joining Pompey.

Even so, Le Roux remains a relatively unknown player.

Before signing for IFK Varnamo, the South African played for Dutch team FC Volendam and Swedish side Varbergs Bois.

Le Roux has already introduced himself to Portsmouth fans, though, and it’s fair to say he made a good impression.

In an interview published on the club’s social media channels, he said: “One meeting was all it took. I don’t think anyone could come out of that meeting and not want to join Portsmouth. So it was really a success meeting, and now I’m here, really happy.”

Reacting to this interview, fans were quick to show their love for Le Roux.

One said, “I love him already”, while another praised his “infectious enthusiasm.”

Portsmouth’s starting midfield is anyone’s guess

Portsmouth signed two centre-midfielders on the same day, as Kosznovszky also signed his contract on Friday (25 July).

Fellow new signing John Swift has also been tipped to play deeper in the heart of midfield, while captain Marlon Pack and Andre Dozzell will also be fighting for a starting place.

It’s anyone’s guess which of these five will start Portsmouth’s first Championship fixture against Oxford on 9 August.

Le Roux and Kosznovsky are young and have no experience of English football, so they may be eased into the team slowly.

At the same time, if they’re deemed good enough, Mousinho may feel comfortable throwing them into the limelight straight away.

More clues are likely to emerge in Pompey’s remaining pre-season friendlies. They play away at Reading on 26 July, before travelling to Havant and Waterlooville (29 July) and hosting PEC Zwolle at Fratton Park (2 August).

Le Roux may be particularly excited to show what he can do during these games.

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