Portsmouth confirm former QPR and Ipswich midfielder Andre Dozzell to leave on free transfer ahead of move to MLS
Out-of-contract midfielder Andre Dozzell has played his last game for the Blues
Pompey have confirmed Andre Dozzell is leaving the club.
The midfielder, who has played 80 times for the Blues following his free-transfer move from QPR in the summer of 2024, has turned down the offer of a new Fratton Park contract and will depart PO4 upon the expiry of his current deal next month.
The 27-year-old has agreed on a move to MLS side DC United, where he will sign a two-year deal with the option for a third.
Confirming his departure, Dozzell said it was ‘an absolute privilege’ for represent the Blues over the past two years.
He told the Pompey website: ‘This is a special club, with special supporters, staff and players – all of whom have made my time at Pompey unforgettable.
‘We have spent these two years fighting relegation and come out on top both times. The fans take a lot of credit for that because they stuck with us and helped us get over the line each time.
‘I think that staying in the Championship has been a real achievement and hopefully now is the time for the club to really push on.
‘It was an absolute privilege for me to represent Portsmouth FC and I will continue to watch what happens closely.
‘I wish nothing but the very best for everyone who is associated with the club. Thank you and Play up Pompey!
Dozzell made 39 appearances in all competitions for Pompey this season as he became a mainstay of the team that secured the club’s Championship status for a third year.
He missed eight games after the turn of the year because of a ankle injury, but returned to play a key role in the Blues’ run-in.
It was his delivery from a free-kick, not long after coming on as a substitute on his comeback appearance against Norwich, that led to Pompey scoring an important late equaliser at Carrow Road on Good Friday.
Dozzell then scored another late leveller when the 10-man Blues looked destined to be defeated by Oxford United at Fratton Park two days later.
Head coach John Mousinho said he was disappointed to be losing a player of Dozzell’s calibre.
‘We’re disappointed to lose Doz, who has been a valuable member of the side during these past two campaigns,’ said Mousinho.
‘He started every game that he was available for this season – which tells you what I think of him – and has gone from strength to strength.
‘We would have liked to keep him, but he’s been given an opportunity to go and play abroad and experience something different.
‘He’s earned that that right with his performances on the pitch and will always be welcome back at Fratton Park.’
DC United ‘excited’ by Dozzell arrival
Confirming the news Stateside, DC United managing director of soccer operations, Dr. Erkut Sogut, said: ‘We are thrilled to be adding a central midfielder with Andre's quality and experience.
‘Andre is a highly technical two-way player with great vision who does important work for his team for 90 minutes and we are excited he has chosen to join our family.’ said
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