Josh Knight transfer ‘could spell end’ for unlucky Portsmouth defender
Portsmouth are believed to be closing in on a deal for Hannover 96 defender Josh Knight.
Reports suggest that Pompey have agreed a fee with Hannover for Knight, while the defender appears willing to move back to England.
It seems unlikely that Knight will be registered in time to play against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, but the deal should be done well before the transfer window closes.
Knight has proven himself as a strong and reliable Championship defender during spells at Peterborough and Wycombe.
However, his arrival calls the future of another Portsmouth defender into question.
Ibane Bowat’s future may lie away from Fratton Park
Portsmouth already have four centre-halves who are considered as contenders for a first-team spot.
Conor Shaughnessy and Regan Poole have started both of this season’s league games, while Hayden Matthews and Ibane Bowat have been waiting for their opportunity on the bench.
- Read more: Statistics show why Josh Knight would be an upgrade on last season’s loan star Rob Atkinson
The arrival of Knight would make it five centre-backs competing for two spots in the starting XI. That could be too many for a club with Portsmouth’s budget.
Bowat would be the obvious casualty should this transfer be completed, if only because Matthews cost over £1million and is considered the player with a higher ceiling for growth, so it could spell the end for the unfortunate defender.
Bowat sale would outline harsh reality for Portsmouth and their fringe players
Some fans have suggested Bowat could be sent out on a season-long loan. That would be an ideal solution for Portsmouth.
But if any lower-league team made a sensible bid to sign him permanently, it would be tough for Portsmouth to turn down.
This isn’t because Mousinho has lost faith in Bowat. It’s just the club can’t afford to turn down transfer fees for players who won’t be playing regularly.
Bowat has had a tough time at Portsmouth, to say the least.
- He suffered a horrible knee injury last summer
- He missed the entire campaign recovering from his surgery
- Although he made his Pompey debut in the Carabao Cup, he’s still not fully match-fit
While Mousinho would love to show more patience to the former Fulham defender, that might prove to be a luxury he can’t afford.
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