Ian Darke delivers brutal verdict on Portsmouth’s summer signings as Adrian Segecic claim made
Portsmouth were very busy during this summer’s transfer window, signing 11 new players in a bid to stabilise themselves in the Championship.
At first glance, it looked like they’d bought well, having attracted second-tier stalwarts like Conor Chaplin and John Swift, as well as some unfamiliar names from overseas.
However, after eight league games, the quality of some Portsmouth signings is already being questioned.
Swift received a lot of stick after his recent performance against Watford, while Florian Bianchini has also been deemed not good enough to play for Portsmouth.
All in all, it seems Portsmouth will mostly be relying on the stars who led them to safety last season to perform once again in 2025-26.
Ian Darke delivers scathing verdict on Portsmouth’s recruitment
Portsmouth have one of the lowest transfer budgets in the Championship, and are effectively punching out of the league in that sense.
Ian Darke, iconic Premier League commentator and Portsmouth fan, says that John Mousinho shouldn’t be judged too harshly on his transfers for that reason.
However, in an exclusive interview with Pompey News, he admitted that he remained unconvinced by the majority of Portsmouth’s summer signings, with Adrian Segecic being the best signing of note.
He said: “I think the budget is low, and in a way they’ve got their hands tied down behind their back, so to that extent, a little bit too many of the signings are looking just a bit like punts at the moment. Not enough of them are proven quality.
“Segecic would probably come through as the best, and Chaplin, once he gets up to speed again, it was a good pick-up from Ipswich. Le Roux has done OK, but there’s others who really don’t look like they’re gonna get in the team on a basis.
“So, I’d say ‘jury’s out’ at best on the signings.“
- Read more: 10 most expensive Portsmouth transfers of all time: From £7m Harry Redknapp flop to Sulley Muntari
Strength in depth will continue to benefit Portsmouth
While most of Portsmouth’s new signings are yet to attract rave reviews from the fans, there’s no doubt that Mousinho has added strength in depth to his squad this season.
- Conor Shaughnessy has torn his hamstring, but Pompey can call on the experience of Josh Knight as a replacement.
- Josh Murphy is injured, but Portsmouth can choose between Bianchini, Harvey Blair or Yang Min-hyeok to step in.
- Conor Chaplin misfired against Watford recently, but Mousinho had Portsmouth’s top scorer Segecic waiting on the bench to replace him.
There are far more useful options available to Mousinho compared to last season, and that could prove vital during a long, tough Championship season.
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