(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)

Portsmouth to continue 'efficient' transfer trend as expert speaks out ahead of deadline

Alex Charlton

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

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Portsmouth have followed a transfer blueprint this summer, and that is likely to continue until the Monday deadline.

Segecic has already hit the ground running for John Mousinho, in what is already proving to be a savvy deal.

Indeed, the South Coast club have gone foreign for the majority of their signings amid the current transfer market.

Josh Knight interviewed in Portsmouth home kit
Knight signed from Hannover 96 (Credit: Pompey+ Video)

This story includes exclusive comment from football finance expert Dr Daniel Plumley.

Championship market too expensive for Portsmouth

Given the business they have carried out, it is evident that Pompey, like so many other clubs, are targeting the foreign market more.

Now, football finance expert Dan Plumley - speaking exclusively to Pompey News - has provided insight on their transfer strategy.

"It's finding value in the market, isn't it, whichever way you can do it," he said.

"And the challenge with the English market, and it runs all the way through, and even for a club like Portsmouth, there is that increased premium for clubs selling to rivals, if they're going to buy from a Championship club, that is going to increase the fee.

"You'll have League One clubs increasing the fee going the other way because they're looking at getting out of that league, or promotion push, or keeping hold of their best players.

  • Almost all of Pompey's permanent signings have been from overseas
  • Portsmouth have signed two players on loan from British clubs
  • The Fratton Park club have spent minimal funds

"So everything just gets squeezed, and that's where you've seen a club like Portsmouth look into the European market and other areas.

"We've seen other clubs look to do it, and I think it will continue because ultimately, what you are looking for there is value in whatever market you can find.

"Clubs that are kind of mid-table to lower end Championship, they've got to find ways to be really efficient with their transfer dealings because the money's just not there like it is at the top end of that league or into the Premier League."

Mark Kosznovszky is linked with a move to Portsmouth
Kosznovszky made a five-minute cameo against West Brom (Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media)

Pompey are smart to go abroad for transfers

Given the extortionate prices that some English players move for, it is no wonder that teams like Portsmouth are going abroad for players.

One only has to look at the reported £15million plus deal to take Jay Stansfield from Fulham to Birmingham City.

By going overseas, the Fratton Park club can tap into talent that many others would not have thought of.

Segecic is the perfect example of this, and it already seems as if the South Coasters have uncovered a hidden gem.

Like for so many other English clubs, the foreign market should continue to be utilised moving forward.

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