Antalyaspor midfielder Jesper Ceesay won’t be coming to Fratton Park after all

Pompey’s attempts to strengthen their midfield ranks further have been deal a telling blow.

The Blues had been working hard behind the scenes to bring Gambia international Jesper Ceesay to Fratton Park.

However, as per the BBC’s Andy Moon, the deal has fallen through on the eve of the new Championship season due to work permit issues, forcing the Fratton Park side to turn their attentions elsewhere.

Pompey had agreed an initial €500,000 deal for the Antalyaspor midfielder, with a further €300,000 to be payed in installments.

The Turkish second-tier side had also negotiated a 15-per-cent sell-on clause for the defensive-minded player who joined from Norrkoping last summer.

Those details emerged after a deal to bring Ceesay had initially stalled due to differences in a payment plan.

Yet it’s paperwork that has called time on the Blues’ pursuit of the player, with the Swedish-born midfielder not eligible for a GBE visa.

The 24-year-old is also not eligible for an ESC slot in the squad after the FA changed the rules for clubs wanting to sign overseas players.

Pompey have strengthened their midfield this summer with the signing of Estonia international Rocco Shein.

Indeed, the former Fredrikstad is one of eight signings made by the club during the current transfer window, with Brentford defender Benjamin Arthur the latest signing through the door at Fratton Park.

But head coach John Mousinho has been keen to add a number six to his new-look squad after telling Luke Le Roux he is free to leave.

Earlier in the window, the Blues were unable to find a deal to bring Gibson Yah to PO4, with the former Volendam midfielder instead moving to Championship rivals Bristol City.

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