(Credit: Imago and St. Johnstone YouTube)
(Credit: Imago and St. Johnstone YouTube)
Transfers

Scottish football expert gives odds of Makenzie Kirk sale as Portsmouth prepare offer

Jack Dawson
Jack Dawson

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on: 

Portsmouth are continuing to remain active late into the transfer window.

Despite their solid start to the 2025/26 campaign, John Mousinho is not set to end his transfer business just yet.

News broke on Wednesday that Portsmouth were set to sign Josh Knight from Hanover.

On top of this, Portsmouth have also been linked with a move for Makenzie Kirk from St. Johnstone.

Now, the transfer saga has developed further, as Pompey looks to win the race for the striker. 

John Mousinho, Portsmouth manager
John Mousinho has continued to remain active in the transfer market (Credit: Imago)

Scott Burns: I would be surprised if Makenzie Kirk isn’t sold 

Kirk has impressed at St. Johnstone since his move to the Scottish club in 2024.

The 21-year-old was previously a clinical striker for Hearts’ B team and is now proving his worth in the Scottish Championship.

Kirk has already netted four goals this campaign, all coming in the Premier Sports Cup.

As a result, Portsmouth are looking to seal a deal for the striker, with Peterborough also interested.

  • Kirk had netted 45 times in 49 matches for Hearts' B team
  • The striker moved to St. Johnstone last summer
  • Peterborough have already had a bid rejected for Kirk

Now, Scottish football expert Scott Burns believes a sale is likely in the coming days as Portsmouth prepare a bid.

He told the Daily Record on 20 August: “Things are heating up in terms of interest in Makenzie Kirk. I would be surprised if he isn’t sold in the coming days. 

“Peterborough have already tabled multiple bids, and it is expected Portsmouth are also set to make an offer.

“It is getting close to a level that Saints will accept. They have already knocked back two bids from Scottish Premiership sides and another six-figure bid from the Scottish Championship.

“If Kirk goes then Simo Valakari will be looking for another striker.

“The right-back is still an issue for Saints. They are waiting to see if they can get Adam Forrester back on loan from Hearts, via their cooperation agreement. If not then Saints would need to look elsewhere.”

Makenzie Kirk would be ideal back-up for Callum Lang 

With Callum Lang set to be potentially out for eight weeks at Portsmouth, Mousinho needs reinforcements up top.

Kirk could prove to be ideal for this, with the Scotsman clearly having potential and being in fine form.

Therefore, the 21-year-old could make a quick impact at Fratton Park, which is vital while Lang is on the sidelines.

Hopefully, Mousinho is able to get the deal done quickly before Peterborough swoop in and secure the attacker. 

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.

Makenzie Kirk
www.theportsmouthnews.com