Portsmouth fans will love what Oliver Glasner has already said about Franco Umeh
Portsmouth are now eyeing a move for Franco Umeh to reinforce their attack.
The Crystal Palace youngster has impressed for their academy since joining the Croydon outfit in 2024.
Portsmouth are considering a season-long loan for Umeh, who could well join Pompey before the transfer window closes.
John Mousinho is in need of more attackers at Portsmouth this summer and has identified the winger as a potential addition.
Now, Oliver Glasner’s verdict on the 20-year-old may excite some of the Fratton Park faithful.
Oliver Glasner: Franco Umeh has a lot of talent
One of the biggest positives about Umeh is how close the winger has come to featuring in a Premier League match.
The 20-year-old featured on the bench for eight different top-flight matches last season, despite his injury record.
Therefore, it is clear that Glasner rates the youngster and has previously made exciting comments about his ability.
- Umeh plays for the Republic of Ireland’s Under 21s
- The winger came through the academy system at Cork City
- Umeh is highly-rated at Crystal Palace
Back on 14 September 2024, he told Tribal Football: “So, when we have an Irish Under-21 national player in our academy, I think it’s also our job to give him a chance to show [what he can do] in first-team training, and even to get some minutes, maybe in the Premier League.
“It’s up to him to improve, because he’s still 19, but he has a lot of talent, and it’s the same with Caleb [Kporha]. We have Asher Agbinone and Mofe Jemide with us also this week, and they also played in our friendly game last week.
“And if you have 25-26 players in the first team, how should somebody from the Academy get the chance to get minutes? It’s just impossible, maybe when you have such outstanding talent, but then you’re already part of the first-team squad.”
Read more: Josh Knight transfer ‘could spell end’ for unlucky Portsmouth defender
How could Portsmouth utilise Franco Umeh?
One big positive about Umeh is his versatility.
So far in his career, the 20-year-old has played across the front three and as a left wing-back.
If he can stay fit, Umeh could prove to be a sensational back-up signing, providing cover to multiple areas of the pitch.
| Franco Umeh for Crystal Palace’s academy last season | |
| Appearances | 16 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 1 |
This is especially important given how an injury crisis last season threaten to derail Portsmouth’s campaign.
However, the verdict on whether the 20-year-old is good enough for the Championship remains up for debate, with the attacker yet to make a first-team appearance in his career.
Hopefully, if he is signed, Umeh will prove that Mousinho has uncovered another gem who can make a positive impact this season.
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