(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)

John Mousinho: Three things on Portsmouth's manager's summer wish-list

Joe Elvin

Joe, a lifelong Portsmouth FC fan, graduated with a Bachelors degree in Multi-Media Journalism from Bournemouth University in 2009. He joined Breaking Media in 2025 as a football writer to cover all the latest news coming out of Fratton Park.

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Portsmouth manager John Mousinho did a fantastic job keeping Portsmouth in the Championship this season.

The 39-year-old steered Pompey to a 16th-place finish, surviving with two games to spare, despite the Blues being one of the favourites for the drop.

Behind the scenes, the work has already begun to improve the squad and ensure they build on that performance.

Here, Pompey News looks at three things that are sure to be on the Portsmouth manager's summer wish list heading into the 2025-26 season.

Mousinho will be looking to build on Portsmouth's 16th-place finish next season (Credit: Imago)
Mousinho will be looking to build on Portsmouth's 16th-place finish next season (Credit: Imago)

A replacement for Freddie Potts

Mousinho recruited 21-year-old midfielder Freddie Potts on loan from West Ham last summer in his efforts to build a squad ready for the Championship.

Potts had never played in the second tier before, but the talented midfielder showed his class throughout the season and was arguably one of the squad's standout performers.

The youngster has returned to West Ham now, and Mousinho has claimed there's little chance of getting him back next season.

So, replacing him is likely to be a priority. Crystal Palace youngster Hindolo Mustapha has been linked with a loan move to Fratton Park, although there's likely to be competition for him if the Eagles do let him leave.

A permanent deal for Rob Atkinson

Rob Atkinson was brought into Fratton Park on loan from Bristol City last January, following a small injury crisis among Portsmouth's defenders.

The 26-year-old made an immediate impact, shoring up the backline whenever he appeared in a Portsmouth shirt.

AppearancesMinutes PlayedGoalsAssists
14110121
Rob Atkinson made an immediate impact after joining Portsmouth on loan in January (Source: Sofascore)

The centre-half has expressed a desire to return to Fratton Park, but any potential transfer would depend on whether Bristol City want to sell him.

Portsmouth owner Michael Eisner
Pompey fans will hope Michael Eisner is willing to back John Mousinho in the transfer market this summer (Credit: Imago)

More strength in depth up front

Colby Bishop has proven that he's more than capable of leading the line in the Championship, but the Blues could still do with some extra firepower up front.

Kusini Yengi has left the club following the expiration of his contract, leaving the club even shorter of first-team strikers.

So, it wouldn't be surprising to see one or two new forwards come through the door at Fratton Park this summer.

www.theportsmouthnews.com