Portsmouth boss reveals how January transfer window’s set to unfold with gaping holes in squad exposed
The need for January transfer reinforcements was underlined at Bristol City - John Mousinho speaks on how things look set to play out this month.
John Mousinho insisted Pompey’s New Year’s Day collapse at Bristol City didn’t tell him anything he wasn’t already aware of over his squad’s deficiencies.
But the Blues boss expects he will need to remain patient this month to get the signings he so clearly needs to add to compete for Championship survival.
Mousinho discusses January transfer window outlook
Pompey began the new year in the grimmest fashion imaginable, as they were obliterated with a 5-0 thrashing at Ashton Gate.
The Blues are carrying a huge amount of injuries, with 10 players sidelined through fitness issues going into Sunday’s clash with Ipswich Town. Additionally, loanee Conor Chaplin will miss the game against his parent club.
That has left Mousinho’s squad exposed, with areas of the pitch clearly already in need of strengthening even before considering the injury crisis.
Mark Kosznovszky is expected to be out long term after suffering a worrying knee injury against Charlton Athletic, while fellow £1m signing Luke Le Roux has been a disappointment.
That makes midfield an obvious focus, while Pompey have been playing without a recognised left-back with both Connor Ogilvie and Jacob Farrell sidelined.
Pompey have struggled for goals this term with Colby Bishop out of form and no experienced back-up, while right wing is another area of focus.
Meanwhile, Pompey have five specialist centre-backs in their squad, but only Regan Poole has excelled with the likes of Hayden Matthews, Conor Shaughnessy and Josh Knight sidelined at stages.
Mousinho knows where the problems lie but doesn’t expect immediate business, with Championship points up for grabs amid the wait for business.
Pompey boss: ‘Will have to wait and be patient’
He said: ‘The Bristol City result doesn’t change anything, it doesn’t change any of our conversations or the plan for January.
‘We know where we’re weak in the squad and we know where we need to strengthen, so that hasn’t made a difference.
‘There’s nothing imminent at the moment.
‘We’re looking at getting through the Ipswich game at the moment, then by the time we get to Sheffield Wednesday it will then hopefully be a different outlook.
‘If you want to get some half-decent deals done we’re going to have to wait and be patient.
‘There aren’t too many transfers that are getting ready to be completed on January 1.’
One early name to emerge in the January window is Brighton’s Andrew Moran, with Pompey linked with a move for the midfielder.
The 22-year-old has been with LA FC in the MLS, but spent last term on loan with Stoke City where he scored four goals in 41 appearances - including the 6-1 thrashing of Pompey in October 2024.
Mousinho wasn’t being drawn on the talk of Pompey being linked with a loan move for Moran, however.
He said: ‘I haven’t got a comment to make on that, as he’s contracted to another club.’