More Mousinho exit links and Golden Boot contender – Three Portsmouth predictions for 2025-26
Portsmouth fans have a lot to be excited about as the new season approaches.
John Mousinho has brought in some exciting new signings over the summer, as Pompey bid to establish themselves in the second tier. Several key players have returned from long-term injuries as well.
It would appear as if he has almost everything in place to improve on Pompey’s 16th-place finish from last season.
Below, Pompey News make three predictions about the upcoming campaign.
Colby Bishop to score 15+ goals
Colby Bishop missed the start of the 2024-25 season with a heart problem that required surgery.
It was a worrying time for the striker, but he returned to action in November with a goal against Preston North End and never looked back. He finished the season with 11 goals from 32 appearances.
Bishop’s return to the team coincided with Portsmouth beginning to adapt to the Championship. There’s an alternative universe out there where he didn’t recover so quickly and Pompey were comfortably relegated.
In 2025-26, Bishop will hope to remain fit throughout the season and build on his ratio of one goal every three games. He could easily hit 15+ goals this campaign if he stays injury-free.
Segecic to thrive in the Championship
Adrian Segecic is arguably Portsmouth’s most exciting signing of the summer transfer window so far.
The 21-year-old was the top goalscorer in the Australian A-League last season. He hit 18 goals in all competitions for Sydney FC.
Segecic was signed on a free transfer and has looked sharp for Pompey in pre-season.
It’s a big step from the A-League to the Championship, but he has all the attributes to take the division by storm.
| Appearances | Minutes Played | Goals | Assists |
| 35 | 1956 | 18 | 3 |
Another club makes an official approach for Mousinho
Mousinho can do no wrong in the eyes of Portsmouth fans. His appointment is the best thing that has happened to the club since it was saved from extinction.
He got Pompey promoted to the Championship and has built a squad capable of thriving in the second tier. Not bad for a 39-year-old in his first managerial role.
His success hasn’t gone unnoticed by other clubs. This summer, Mousinho has already been linked with moves to:
- Bristol City
- Norwich
- Watford
- Middlesborough
- West Brom
Thankfully, these rumours never turned into official requests. Each of Pompey’s Championship rivals hired a new manager without attempting to buy Mousinho out of his contract.
Still, as long as Portsmouth continue to exceed expectations, other clubs will keep looking at their boss. That’s the price of success.
With the Blues looking well prepared to continue their ascent this season, another club could easily make an official request to speak to Mousinho.
A club with strong promotion ambitions might test his resolve. He’s an ambitious manager, and Portsmouth will need to continue matching that ambition if they want to keep him.
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