'We will be watching' - what Portsmouth boss said following defender's exit
Jacob Farrell has left Pompey on loan after a frustrating 18 months at Fratton Park
Pompey boss John Mousinho admitted the Blues will be watching Jacob Farrell’s ‘progress closely’ after the defender completed a loan move back to the Australian A-League on Friday.
The 23-year-old has headed back to his homeland to sign for Western Sydney Wanderers, where he will remain until the end of the season.
His move comes after just three appearances in the 18 months he’s been at Fratton Park following his switch from Central Coast Mariners in July 2024.
Injury has played a major part in that lack of game, with Farrell accummulating just 98 minutes of football this term because of a persistent groin problem.
Eight of those minutes arrived earlier this month, when the Australia under-23 international came off the bench in the 1-1 draw at Watford on January 21.
Since then Pompey took the decision not to add to their left-back ranks before the close of the January transfer window. Connor Ogilvie’s return from injury, plus Zak Swanson’s impressive form when deputising, reduced the need for reinforcements. Instead, it has prompted the Blues to let one of their options there leave in order to kick-start his career after a frustrating period in his career.
Farrell still has more than two years left on his PO4 contract. And according to Mousinho, the remainder of the season will hopefully provide the 23-year-old with the opportunity to regain the form that convinced Pompey to sign him up four transfer windows ago.
John Mousinho and Jacob Farrell’s thoughts on loan move
Speaking when Farrell’s move to the CommBank Stadium was completed, Mousinho said: ‘With Jacob now back fit again, this loan provides him with the opportunity to get some valuable minutes out on the pitch.
‘We have a few options at left-back now and so felt it was the right decision for him. We will be watching his progress closely.
‘Hopefully he’ll be able to get plenty of games back in Australia, so he’s then ready to return and compete for a place in our side.’
Welcoming the move, Farrell said: ’I’ve come back in search of more consistent match minutes which I have lacked over the last year. The Wanderers were willing to give me a chance to fight for minutes on the field again I’m very grateful for the opportunity.
‘My main goal is to help the team reach the top six, the table is still very close and the belief to make the Finals is alive.
‘I always enjoyed versing the Wanderers in the past, the clubs support base is full of passionate fans and I’m excited to represent the West and give my all for the club.’
Farrell was handed a place on the bench for the Red & Black’s game against Melbourne City today.
Wanderers sat bottom of the A-League table going into the game.
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