Portsmouth are looking to bolster their squad following their promotion to the Championship, with the addition of Central Coast Mariners defender Jacob Farrell.
John Mousinho guided Pompey out of League One in some style last season, ending the club’s thirteen-year absence from the division in spectacular style by winning the title.
However, the development of the seaside club won’t be easy and may take some smart business within the transfer market. Josh Murphy is the headline deal of the summer so far for Pompey, joining the club from another recently promoted side in Oxford United.
A position that undoubtedly requires improvement is defence. Portsmouth let go of ageing defensive duo Sean Raggett and Joe Rafferty this summer with both players heading to Steve Evans’ Rotherham, the duo racked up seventy-seven appearances in League One combined last season and with replacements certainly required.
Farell is one of the A-League’s most promising stars.
That is why Portsmouth are reportedly ‘keen’ on signing Australian U23 international and Central Coast Mariners left-back, Jaco Farrell, according to BBC reporter, Andrew Moon.
Moon warned that although Mousinho’s side does have a firm interest in signing the 21-year-old fullback, a deal is not yet complete.
Farrell has been a regular feature of Central Coast Mariners’ sides since 2021, recording an impressive ninety appearances for the A-League outfit despite his tender age.
The attacking full-back can also offer Portsmouth a goal-threat
League One to the Championship is a considerable jump in quality and Mousinho is clearly among the belief that Farrell can offer Pompey an extra edge to be competitive next season and establish themselves in the second tier.
Farrell has recorded seven goals and thirteen assists in his ninety games whilst playing in Australia’s A-League, helping the Mariners to the league phase title last season, and pipping Wellington Phoenix to the trophy by just two points.
The transfer wouldn’t be the first time Portsmouth have dipped into the Australian market, signing striker, Kusini Yengi last summer from Western Sydney, with the fellow Aussie there to potentially make Farrell feel welcome, should he make the switch from Down Under.