Southampton forward and Matt Doherty – Three players Portsmouth could sign for free in 2026
Portsmouth will have several plans in place when it comes to transfers down the line.
Portsmouth had 19 new arrivals check in at Fratton Park this summer, as John Mousinho looks to build on what was a successful campaign back in the Championship last time out.
Adrian Segecic has already had a big impact at Portsmouth, while signs of promise have emerged in regard to others.
However, as always with transfers, the Blues will already be planning ahead, and with that in mind, Pompey News looks at three players they could sign for free next summer.
Matt Doherty still has a lot to give
Matt Doherty is into his 12th year as a Wolves player, having had spells at Tottenham and Atletico Madrid in between his two stints.
The Irishman turns 34 next year, and it remains to be seen whether Wolves will be looking to offer him a new contract next summer, which is when his current deal expires.
If not, he would be an excellent pickup for any Championship side, and potentially even on the radar of some lower-half Premier League teams.
However, with Portsmouth increasing their ambitions, they might be able to entice Doherty to end his career at Fratton Park.
Jamaal Lascelles would be an excellent Championship defender
As a result of Newcastle United’s rise, Jamaal Lascelles has been completely frozen out of the squad on Tyneside.
In fact, his last appearances for the Magpies came back in the 2023/24 campaign.
However, prior to that, he was a regular starter in the Premier League and also found success when in the Championship.
This time next year, Lascelles will be 32 years old, which is still no age at all for a solid Championship centre-back.
Given his lack of playtime over the last two seasons, very few clubs will take a risk on him, though if Portsmouth do, it could benefit them if they can get him up to speed.
Ross Stewart could make South Coast switch next summer
Portsmouth fans will be well aware of Ross Stewart throughout his time at Sunderland and Southampton, albeit for very different reasons.
The Scotsman featured twice against Pompey while at Sunderland, finding plenty of success on Wearside, before joining the Saints, where his career would take a turn for the worse.
Stewart’s record at Sunderland
- 2020/21 season – 13 games, 3 goals
- 2021/22 season – 53 games, 26 goals
- 2022/23 season – 15 games, 11 goals
Since making a move for £10million, Stewart has featured just 21 times in two years, with injuries halting his ability to progress.
In 2026, his contract expires and, similar to Lascalles, there will be very few clubs that see value in bringing him in.
However, if Pompey can keep him fit, they would be getting one of the best forwards in the EFL, and likely on a reasonable wage.
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