(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)

John Mousinho makes horrendous error as Conor Chaplin transfer details emerge

Jack Dawson

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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John Mousinho will have been pleased with how Portsmouth’s transfer window played out.

Pompey brought in 11 players across the summer in a big squad overhaul.

Many of these have already made a big impact, with Adrian Segecic producing a stunning start at Portsmouth.

Another player who will be looking to quickly get off the mark is Conor Chaplin, who re-signed for Portsmouth on deadline day.

The attacking midfielder joined Pompey on loan from Ipswich Town for the rest of the season, with details of the deal now coming to light.

Portsmouth boss John Mousinho smiling.
John Mousinho brought in Conor Chaplin in deadline day (Credit: Imago)

Ipswich have recall option on Conor Chaplin

Portsmouth’s signing of Chaplin was no doubt considered a bit of a coup.

The attacking midfielder had previously been sensational in the Championship when Ipswich won promotion two years ago.

This could prove to be an awful mistake for Portsmouth. With Ipswich expected to be fighting for promotion, if Chaplin hits form at Fratton Park, they will no doubt look to exercise this option.

  • Chaplin came through Portsmouth’s academy and went on to play over 100 times for the first-team
  • The attacking midfielder left Fratton Park in 2019 for Coventry
  • Chaplin has now returned to Portsmouth on a season-long loan from Ipswich Town

If this happens, it could potentially derail Pompey’s entire campaign, especially if Chaplin becomes Mousinho’s main man.

On top of this, if Portsmouth keep up their early-season form, Ipswich may just look to recall the attacking midfielder to damage any promotion hopes for Mousinho’s side.

Therefore, allowing the Tractor Boys to add this clause is a horrendous mistake, and something that could potentially cost Pompey a magical season.

Makenzie Kirk wiping his mouth
Makenzie Kirk also signed for Portsmouth on deadline day (Credit: Imago)

What has Kieran McKenna said about Conor Chaplin?

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna is also a big fan of Chaplin, especially after how influential he has been at the Tractor Boys for years.

In his most recent press conference, McKenna referred to Chaplin as a modern club legend after overseeing two promotions at the East Anglican club.

On top of this, the manager has also commented on the long-term future of the attacking midfielder.

Conor Chaplin at Ipswich Town in the 2023/24 campaign
Appearances47
Goals13
Assists9
Chaplin was sensational in Ipwich's promotion season

He said: “We spoke about those things a lot. He had an opportunity for his personal life, his career, to go and play regularly at a club he has an affinity for, and rack up those regular starts and, hopefully, goals again.

“That was a difficult one because you know you’re losing an unbelievable person from the dressing room who would have helped us this year. But I think it’s right that his desire to do what’s best for his career is understood and listened to.

“He hopes – we hope – that the door is very much still open here and that we haven’t seen the last of him.”

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