Championship rivals 'explore' summer move for ex-Portsmouth and Brighton favourite after talk of Fratton return
Former Pompey defender Adam Webster is on the hunt for a new club this summer following his release by Brighton at the end of the season.
A Championship move is reportedly on the cards for Adam Webster this summer.
That’s after talk of a Fratton Park return for the academy graduate was rubbished as he begins life away from Brighton.
The centre-back is on the hunt for a fresh start having been released by the Premier League club at the end of the campaign.
It brought an emotional end to a successful seven-year stay at the Amex Stadium, where he amassed 158 outings in all competitions.
Following his £20m move from Bristol City in August 2019, Webster played a central role in Albion’s rise into European football.
But after missing the entirety of last season due to a serious knee injury suffered during a pre-season training camp in July 2025, Fabian Hurzeler’s side opted against handing the 31-year-old fresh terms.
West Ham interest in former Pompey favourite
Indeed, a move to the Championship has been mooted, with new-boys West Ham reportedly interested.
A fresh report from The Sun has claimed the Hammers are set to ‘explore’ a deal for Webster, who will be available on a free transfer in the window.
The article states the former Bristol City and Ipswich Town man has been approached by several clubs already this summer as they look to lure the ex-England youth international.
But has been stressed there remains concerns over his fitness given his injury record over the past 12 months, with the defender still continuing his rehabilitation with Brighton despite his release.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are set for a squad overhaul this summer following their relegation from the Premier League.
West Ham, of course, returned to the Championship on the final day of the season despite a 3-0 win over Leeds United, with a point enough to keep Spurs in the top flight.
A number of defensive exits have since been touted, with Jean-Clair Todibo and Konstantinos Mavropanos both tipped with departures.
And the Hammers have reportedly earmarked Webster as a potential replacement as the Espirito Santo looks to assemble a squad who can make an instant return to the Premier League.
Adam Webster and Pompey
Webster’s availability alerted some members of the Fratton faithful to a potential reunion this summer after 10-years away.
The centre-back, who still lives in the Chichester area, rose through the ranks at PO4 and went on to amass 96 appearances following his debut in 2012.
After his 2016 departure, the defender went on to appear for Ipswich Town and Bristol City before solidifying himself as an established Premier League defender with Brighton.
The Blues’ former Academy graduate is not on their wish-list at present and, as a consequence, hasn’t been approached about a possible reunion.
Pompey currently have six central defenders in their ranks, although that picture is expected to shift this summer.