Portsmouth news round-up: Mousinho speaks out as Bianchini makes ‘crazy’ admission
Portsmouth’s Championship preparations have ramped up in recent weeks as five new faces have arrived at Fratton Park.
Portsmouth’s 2025/26 Championship opener with Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday (9 August) is now around the corner, and the Blues will be looking to avoid a slow start.
Portsmouth supporters will be intrigued by the business that Pompey complete between now and the end of the summer.
Below, Pompey News compiles the key news headlines from the last 24 hours.
Martin Allen puts spotlight on Freddie Potts after West Ham victory
West Ham legend Martin Allen was full of praise for former Pompey loanee Freddie Potts after a fine performance against Bournemouth in the final game of the Premier League Summer Series in America.
The midfielder has been in and around the Hammers’ first team over the summer and brought energy and control to the game in Graham Potter’s midfield against a strong opponent.
Allen said on X (3 August): “Freddie Potts, too. What a good performance from him. Good energy, good strong, tenacious, pacy player.”
There had been a slim amount of hope that the Blues might have been able to bring Potts back to Fratton Park this summer, though a move for the youngster now looks dead and buried.
With the Hammers being short in midfield, Potts looks likely to be part of their Premier League setup.
https://x.com/MartinAllen1965/status/1952097302593589728Florian Bianchini excited by ‘crazy’ Portsmouth fans
Florian Bianchini played in both games against Portsmouth last season while he was at Swansea and was able to see firsthand the electric atmosphere from the Pompey faithful.
Portsmouth were ruthless in the home fixture against the Swans as they battered them 4-0, thanks to goals from Josh Murphy, Paddy Lane, Ryley Towler and Colby Bishop.
Bianchini was taken off after 74 minutes in the fixture and was left amazed by the level of support from fans during the game.
Speaking to Portsmouth’s website (4 August), Bianchini said: “I was told all about the size of Pompey and the fact there is a big fanbase here, along with some good players.
“The atmosphere was great when I played here with Swansea last season, and the fans were crazy because of the result.”
Mousinho shares Portsmouth transfer update
Mousinho has brought in five new faces to the south coast so far this summer.
New signings Mark Kosznovszky and Luke Le Roux made their first appearances in a new-look midfield against PEC Zwolle on Saturday (2 August).
The new signings have filled supporters with promise, though the win against the Dutch side also brought up some major worries for the Blues.
Striker Colby Bishop was absent due to injury and is unlikely to make the squad against Oxford, with supporters worried about their squad depth.
In an interview with The News (4 August), Mousinho admitted that Portsmouth would be unlikely to sign anyone before their opening league game against Oxford.
He said: “By the end of the transfer window in a month’s time, there will definitely be additions, but I am not sure that will be before next weekend.”
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