After a successful return to the Championship, anticipation is growing around Portsmouth as they look to bolster their squad for the next campaign.
With Pompey managing to avoid the drop in the 2024/25 season, they now face a fresh set of challenges, looking to solidify themselves as a solid team in England’s second tier.
To do so, they must act smart in the upcoming transfer window, as John Mousinho looks to replace key players which have departed the club such as Freddie Potts and Kusini Yengi.
This article will take a look at five players the blues could sign this summer to push on in the Championship.
Ryan Hardie – Plymouth Argyle
Ryan Hardie knows what it takes to perform well in the Championship, spending the last two years in the division with newly relegated side Plymouth Argyle. The 28-year-olds contract expires on June 30th, 2026, so this could be a player with which The Pilgrims could be looking to offload.
The Scottish forward would offer a good amount of depth to Mousinho’s squad, with Kusini Yengi being released a few weeks ago.
In an Argyle side which was relegated from the second tier, Hardie finished as the club’s top goal scorer in all competitions with 12 goals to his name.
His most memorable goal came against Premier League winners Liverpool, with his penalty earning the green army a 1-0 win in the third round of round Emirates FA Cup.
Portsmouth will likely rely on Colby Bishop to score the majority of their goals next season, but picking up Hardie could be a smart decision in the summer transfer window.
His ability to get in behind defences and composure in front of goal could provide Mousinho with a great asset going into the 2025/26 season.
Robert Atkinson – Bristol City
One player who will most likely be on Portsmouth’s books this summer is Bristol City centre-back Rob Atkinson, after a successful loan spell with the blues last season.
The 26-year-old appeared fourteen times, offering defensive stability in a period where Pompey were in the mix of an injury crisis at the back.
Portsmouth fans will certainly remember his goal threat from set-pieces. Atkinson’s brace against Derby proved to be a vital one in the 2-2 draw which took place on the 12th of April, earning John Mousinho’s side a massive point towards the end of the season.
Statistics from Fotmob show how Atkinson could provide a real sense of quality for Pompey’s backline, with an average player rating of 7.27 over the course of the 2024/25 season.
He also provided a sense of dominance in the air, winning the majority of aerial duels which came his way.
With one year left on his contract, Mousinho may look to splash the cash on the Bristol City defender, especially with the likes of Ryley Towler and Tom McIntyre possibly departing over the summer.
Jordan Clark – Luton Town
With Portsmouth needing to make a few additions in the midfield department, they could well look to take interest in players who have Championship experience.
One of which may be Luton Town’s Jordan Clark, who has registered 148 appearances in England’s second tier, with 25 goal contributions.
The 31-year-old is a box-to-box midfielder who could inject further Championship quality into Mousinho’s side.
Despite getting relegated on the final day with the hatters, Clark has done more than enough to prove he has the quality to perform consistently in England’s second division.
With Freddie Potts’ departure leaving a large gap in Portsmouth’s midfield, John Mousinho will be desperate to bring in some talent which can hit the ground running, with Jordan Clark possessing the attacking and defensive qualities to do just that.
Jamie Donley (Loan) – Tottenham Hotspur
One position Portsmouth may also look to add depth in could be the attacking midfield area.
Despite having Callum Lang as first choice, there seems to be a lack of attacking depth in the forward positions, where somebody like Jamie Donley could thrive.
Donley enjoyed a successful first loan spell in the EFL, after signing a deal with Leyton Orient on the 16th of August 2024. The 20-year-old made 52 appearances in all competitions, scoring eight goals and getting ten assists.
During his loan spell in League One, he played a crucial role in Leyton Orient’s promotion push, creating 62 chances over the course of the season. The Northern Ireland international also finished the campaign with the highest number of assists for The O’s.
As he may not be quite ready to break into Tottenham’s first team squad yet, Jamie Donley needs a move to progress his career.
Portsmouth could offer just that, providing him with a platform to constantly improve, under a young promising manager like John Mousinho.
Harvey Knibbs – Reading
Having been linked with Portsmouth before, Harvey Knibbs could be another singing which could improve John Mousinho’s side going into the 2025/26 season.
The 26-year-old has shown a good level of consistency since joining Reading in 2023, racking up 48 goal contributions in 100 games for The Royals.
With Harvey Knibbs’ contract expiring in 2026, Reading may look to cash in on the talented Englishmen, giving him the opportunity to play in a higher division against a better calibre of players.
The sticking point for Pompey will be the fee which Reading may demand, with the 26-year-old standing out as one of the best players in England’s third tier last season.
Portsmouth fans, what are your thoughts on these suggestions?