Portsmouth backed to strike free agent deal after worrying Fratton Park injury news
Portsmouth have already seen an overhaul of their squad from over the summer transfer window.
John Mousinho brought in numerous new faces, with four coming in on deadline day.
Portsmouth’s biggest signing was no doubt Conor Chaplin, who made his second Pompey debut against Southampton on Sunday.
However, while there were many positives to take from the match, there were also concerns, which could see Mousinho look to the free agent market.
This article includes exclusive comment from Premier League commentator Ian Darke.
Ian Darke: Portsmouth may look for new goalkeeper after Nicolas Schmid concern
One of the most concerning things to come out of the South Coast derby was the injury to Portsmouth goalkeeper Nicolas Schmid.
The 28-year-old has established himself as Pompey’s number one since signing for the South Coast club in 2024 and has quickly impressed.
However, Schmid may be out of action for months at Portsmouth, after suffering a collision with Connor Ogilvie.
With Ben Killip looking unconvincing against Southampton, Ian Darke has tipped Pompey to look into the free agent market to find an alternative.
- Ogilvie and Fellows were both chasing a loose ball in the first half
- However, Schmid also came out to clear the ball, which resulted in the collision
- Looking back on the incident, Mousinho believes Fellows is to blame due to a push
He exclusively told Pompey News: “They have to think about who will be the best goalkeeper to step in if Schmid is a long-term absentee.
“I’m not sure if Ben Killip is quite ready to be a goalkeeper in the Championship. They’ve got to think about it.
“The main hope is that Schmid makes a fairly fast recovery.”
“I haven’t seen a lot of Jordan Archer, so I don’t have a big view (on his re-registration).
He then added: “They seem to have some faith in Killip, so he may step in.
“The alternative is to look at the free agent market, are there any goalkeepers who are hanging around looking for a job that you can pick up.”
Josef Bursik has point to prove at Portsmouth
If Schmid is out long-term, then Portsmouth can currently choose between Killip and Josef Bursik for the starting spot.
The latter star joined Pompey on deadline day, and did not feature on the bench for the South Coast derby.
Therefore, the former Stoke City star no doubt has a point to prove, especially if Mousinho does consider dipping into the free agent market.
Hopefully, Bursik is given a chance to shine if Killip proves to be out of his depth in the Championship.
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