Portsmouth FC have announced the signing of Swedish defender Alexander Milosevic, who signs as a free agent.
The 33-year-old signs a deal until the end of the season after recently leaving Swedish side AIK, subject to international clearance.
Milosevic has had previous experience in the Championship, playing 12 times for Nottingham Forest in 2019.
This has been announced by the club’s website, stating Milosevic has been signed until the end of the season.
Portsmouth manager John Mousinho spoke on the signing of Milosevic, saying: “We scoured the markets to see who we could bring in and believe that we have found the best player available.”
How did Milosevic fare last year?
When available, Milosevic was a consistent starter for top-tier Swedish side AIK, helping them reach Conference League qualification.
The 33-year-old spent the first half of the season, missing the first 12 matches with an unknown injury.
When available, Milosevic captained his side and was a consistent figure in helping AIK have a late surge of form to finish third in the table.
The Swedish international did not have the same luck in the Svenska Cupen, playing only two times, winning both.
Overall, Milosevic played 17 times in all competitions for AIK as they made it into the Conference League qualifiers.
Pompey easing their injury crisis.
Pompey have announced the signing of Milosevic, stating the former Forest defender will soon be available to play.
This signing comes at what could be a crucial period for Portsmouth as they look to survive relegation.
They currently have a healthy gap of eight points separating them from the dreaded bottom three, but with an injury crisis at the back, they may not want to take a risk.
Mousinho’s side signed defenders Rob Atkinson and Hayden Matthews in January to help ease defensive problems, but they are back to square one with both facing injuries.
In addition to this, they also have Conor Shaughnessy and Ibane Bowat out with injuries. This leaves them with only Regan Poole and Ryley Towler as natural centre-backs available to use.
Milosevic could come in and help ease this injury crisis, giving them another option at the back to use.
Is Milosevic a good signing?
With injury problems at the back going into the final part of the campaign in a push to confirm their safety, bringing in Milosevic could be a smart signing for Portsmouth.
The Swedish defender has had previous experience in the league, impressing during his minor spell at Forest, even scoring a stunning goal against Middlesbrough.
In the 2023 season for AIK, Milosevic made the most clearances (4) and interceptions (1.3) per match, playing a standout part as they finished third.
While the 33-year-old has had previous problems with injuries, coming in on a short-term deal can help ease their problems with injuries. Mousinho’s side have had an impressive campaign so far, and they have a strong chance of staying up and bringing in reinforcements could only help that.
It will be interesting to see if Milosevic can make an impact at Fratton Park in these next few months and if Portsmouth can stay above the relegation zone.