Portsmouth and Sunderland are close to a deal for Adil Aouchiche for John Mousinho's squad

Aouchiche deal back on in surprise Portsmouth transfer twist

Dan is a sports writer and broadcaster, who wrote for Breaking Media Limited's club sites including Pompey News between May 2024 and May 2025. Graduating from the University of Huddersfield in 2018 with First Class Honours in Sports Journalism, Dan has worked with several EFL clubs, as well as with BBC Radio, talkSPORT and TNT Sports. He previously resided in Sydney, Australia, where he continued his career as a freelancer in various sports. Dan was born and raised in Portsmouth, comes from a Pompey-supporting family, and was in attendance at both of the club's FA Cup finals in 2008 and 2010.

Published on:

31 Jan 2025, 11:50 am

Portsmouth have now hurdled the obstacles required to sign Adil Aouchiche from Sunderland, according to Santi Aouna.

Foot Mercato journalist Aouna posted on X (31 January) to deliver the update that Aouchiche's work permit eligibility has now been given the green light, after initial issues with GBE (Governing Body Endorsement) points for overseas players had threatened to cancel the move (Santi Aouna, 31 January) - and the attacking midfielder should now sign his loan contract.

EFL clubs can keep a maximum of four international players who do not meet the criteria of 15 of these points, which are earned by previous experience including the standard of leagues played in and minutes played. The Blues are keen to sort the deal and further transfers as rapidly as possible.

Aouna shared: While the deal was blocked for an administrative problem, Aouchiche should finally engage with Portsmouth as part of a loan.

"The contract should be signed in the evening."

Portsmouth now set to sign Adil Aouchiche

Portsmouth are in dire need of squad depth for the anticipated survival fight in the Championship, with Aouchiche available as a peripheral figure at Sunderland this season.

That said, the 22-year-old is a clearly talented performer and is adept both out wide and through the middle as a number 10.

Aouchiche is expected to challenge for a spot in the front four in Mousinho's heavily favoured 4-2-3-1 system, and can bring confidence and flair to the Pompey team that could really endear Blues fans to him quickly.

Abdoulaye Kamara and Jacob Farrell are frustrating among the four slots at Fratton Park for overseas players without required GBE points, with the former barely getting a shout and the latter ruled out through injury for the rest of the season.

Pompey are also attempting to sign left-back Cohen Bramall before the transfer deadline, while several players could be headed through the exit door.

In other Portsmouth news, a former Premier League manager could be next in line if Mousinho leaves Fratton Park anytime soon.

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