Portsmouth are set to secure the signing of talented winger Sammy Silvera from fellow Championship side Middlesbrough.
The Australian linked up with Middlesbrough from Central Coast Mariners in the summer 2023 transfer window after attracting interest from several other second tier sides. Prior to this he had spells at Western Sydney Wanderers, Pacos de Ferreira, Casa Pia, Sanjoanense and the Newcastle Jets before returning to Central Coast Mariners for a second spell winning the title with his former club in 2022/23, scoring in both the semi-finals and final. He then joined Middlesbrough in a move worth an estimated £500k.
He has, to date, made 42 appearances for his parent club, scoring six times and contributing three assists. Silvera however, despite appearances struggled for game time, only starting 16 of the 42 appearances, despite at times there being an injury crisis at the club throughout parts of the season.
He now looks set to depart the club in pursuit of game time to Portsmouth, according to the Northern Echo via The News Portsmouth.
A good move for Silvera and Middlesbrough?
Middlesbrough are perhaps in a difficult situation Silvera clearly has talent, but isn’t perhaps ready for what Michael Carrick needs. The step up from Australian football to the Championship could be a difficult one to navigate. However, he is too good to be sent out on loan to League One, meaning the only option would be another second tier club. They have found, arguably a nice middle ground that will allow him to gain the experience and game time he needs to hopefully return next season to excel.
Portsmouth have only just gained promotion and will be looking to solidify their spot in the league, having been absent for so long. Whilst they would likely love to replicate what Ipswich has done, the chances are that they will have to adapt. It is a new league for John Mousinho in management and there are some competitive teams with huge budgets vying for positions.
Josh Murphy, Jordan Williams and Jordan Archer have all joined to add experience and a sprinkling of quality to the third tier Champions.