Former QPR man completes surprise switch after left-field Portsmouth, Luton Town and Plymouth Argyle summer links
Pompey, Plymouth Argyle, Rotherham United and Luton Town were all linked with a move for right-back Arkell Jude-Boyd earlier this summer.
Arkell Jude-Boyd was a name linked with Pompey in April as the rumour mill began to turn ahead of the summer window.
The right-back, who was released by League Two Cheltenham Town having registered 37 appearances last term, reportedly had interest from Fratton Park as well as from Luton Town, Plymouth Argyle and Rotherham United.
The left-field report suggested his availability had alerted a number of EFL clubs - including the Blues, who were said to be ‘eyeing’ a move for the 23-year-old.
But a switch to the Championship or to League One for that matter is now off the cards this summer, with Jude-Boyd landing a surprise new home elsewhere.
Right-back seals switch after left-field Pompey links
Indeed, the young full-back will remain in League Two, having completed a free transfer move to Shrewsbury Town.
The Saint Lucia international has penned a two-year deal with the option of a further 12 months at the Croud Meadow outfit.
Jude-Boyd became the first signing of the summer for Salop, who released 10 players at the end of last term, which included former Pompey duo John Marquis and Anthony Scully.
Despite occupying the relegation zone for large parts of the campaign, Shrewsbury enjoyed a resurgence during the second half of the season and went on to secure a 19th-placed finish.
And it was head coach Gavin Cowan who sold the project to the ex-QPR youngster, who lifted the lid on his move to Shropshire.
Speaking to the club website, he said: ‘It's amazing. The facilities are amazing and I'm ecstatic to get the season started.
‘The gaffer, he was a crucial part of me coming here. He filled me with confidence and I believe we can have a successful season.
‘It’s the attention to detail - that was the main thing (the manager offers).
‘I know what he wants from me and for a player like me, I thrive when I know what is expected.’
Pompey’s current right-back situation
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Terry Devlin established himself as John Mousinho’s first-choice option last term and is expected to attract interest this summer after a brilliant breakthrough campaign.
The Northern Ireland international was at the centre of a reported £2m bid from Wrexham in January and will likely be the subject of approaches from clubs higher up the pyramid in the upcoming window.
Meanwhile, Zak Swanson was offered new terms at the end of the season to remain at PO4, with sporting director Rich Hughes providing a key update last week.
Despite a strong start to the campaign, Jordan Williams found game time hard to come by and could move on as he enters the final year of his contract.