'Need to move forward as a club': Portsmouth faithful all say the same thing about possible homecoming for departing West Brom man

Pompey fans on social media have voiced their concerns over a potential move for Jed Wallace this summer.

The Fratton Park academy graduate will become a free agent in the coming weeks after his release from Championship rivals West Brom was confirmed on Friday.

The 32-year-old spent four years at The Hawthorns, where he netted 16 goals and provided 16 assists in 150 outings in all competitions.

But after an injury-hit campaign which saw Wallace amass 23 league appearances, the Baggies opted against handing their skipper fresh terms to extend his stint in the West Midlands.

The forward, of course, rose through the ranks at PO4 and flourished for the Blues, scoring 30 goals in 121 outings following his debut in 2012.

After departing Fratton Park in 2015, the attacker went on to feature for Wolves and Millwall but is now on the hunt for a new club following his West Brom exit.

In January 2025, Wallace refused to rule out a Pompey return before the end of his career, but shared concerns at tainting happy memories with the club who gave him his breakthrough.

And as the Blues look to progress in the Championship next term, some members of the Fratton faithful feel it would be a backwards step to recruit the winger this summer - despite recently becoming a free agent.

We put the question: Would you sign Jed Wallace on a free transfer this summer? to supporters on social media - and the response was clear.

Here’s the best of the reaction from Facebook.

Play Up Pompey! Stay in the know with match-day action, exclusive analysis and more with our free newsletter

Clear Pompey verdict over summer move for Jed Wallace

Dean Martin: He wasn't good enough for West Brom last season, who finished below us, so why would he be good enough for us next season.

Keith Prangnell: Nope, need fit players. Need young players who are less likely to be injured half the season.

Chris Barter: A few years too late unfortunately

Jason Cromey: Ehh, idk. Don't know enough about him, heard mixed opinions on him.

David Coleman: No, but would try my best to get Webster, would be a great signing in our defence.

Gareth Reynolds: No, we need to look forward and not go back to the past all the time with those that used to play for us.

Ali Lance: Not unless somebody want to take John Swift off our hands as we already have him and Segecic at No10’s. Would rather we signed Conor Chaplin anyway.

James Lewis: Absolutely not, past his best and very injury prone.

Paul Streeter: No only as a squad player if wages are low we need to buy young and fit players.

Neil Sherman: It's very easy to answer sentimentally, but more often than not, there's a reason they're being released, which doesn't help or align with our ambitions of being able to compete competitively going forward. My heart says absolutely, but my head, unfortunately, says no.

Andy Pearson: He is a free agent for a reason and playing in a struggling side too.

George Andrew Slatcher: No thank you, we need to move forward as a club not stay where we are.

Ben Clarke: Not for me, loved him back in the days for us but leave that memory well alone.

Kendrick Lu: Maybe not, he faded a bit for West Brom, might not be fit anymore for the Championship.

Lizzie Lammas: No I wouldn’t, we have to stop signing injury prone players and players past their best. We are in the Championship and need good, fit Championship players.

Your next Pompey read: ‘We want to stop’: Portsmouth chief sets out clear plan to break 'vicious' injury cycle