Credit: Imago

Henry Green

Thu 7 August 2025 8:31, UK

Portsmouth have been eager to utilise the free agent market in recent seasons as they look to bridge financial gaps.

It was revealed earlier this summer that free agent Nathan Ferguson had been training with John Mousinho’s side, having left Crystal Palace a year ago.

Portsmouth now appear to have opted against signing Ferguson, with his extensive injury record likely to have been a factor.

After not signing the 24-year-old, Pompey News looks at three free agents they could sign instead.

Grady Diangana could still sign after West Brom exit

The Blues have one of the lowest budgets in the Championship and have relied on paying lower fees for players and recruiting from abroad.

Mousinho has already relied on signing John Swift as a free agent this summer after he left West Brom at the end of the last campaign.

Pompey have been linked with a move for his former teammate Grady Diangana this summer.

• Grady Diangana has made 173 Championship appearances in his career

The winger is still a free agent and could still sign on at Fratton Park, but he seems to be assessing his options.

Given Colby Bishop’s injury and the need for depth up front, it would make sense for Mousinho to sign the former West Brom star.

• Read more: Portsmouth agree deal to sign Tottenham ace

Craig Dawson could strengthen Pompey’s defence

With Ferguson training with the club, the backline is obviously a position Mousinho wants to strengthen.

Veteran defender Craig Dawson could add some solid experience at the back after stints at Wolves, West Ham, West Brom and Watford.

The 35-year-old most recently spent time with Wolves, where he strengthened up their backline despite a turbulent time in the top-flight.

Although his age will worry supporters, he could add leadership and composure to the backline and would be useful for the Blues on a one-year contract..

Having lost Ryley Towler and Cohen Bramall this summer, you’d expect that Mousinho begins to focus on his defence after sorting out his backline.

Onel Hernandez could boost Pompey’s attack after Norwich exit

Another player who could add more threat on the wing is former Norwich winger Onel Hernandez.

The winger had a turbulent time in Norfolk, going from one of their best players to struggling in his final few months there.

However, the Cuban has shown that he can offer a creative threat from the wing and would be worth a punt by the Blues.

With Mousinho signing so many creative midfielders, it would be ideal to add more creativity on the wings, as they give Florian Bianchini some needed cover.

Sign up for the Pompey News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Portsmouth news sent straight to your phone.