Former Portsmouth transfer target and ex-Ipswich Town & Rangers man braced for Middlesbrough summer departure

Former Pompey target George Edmundson is expected to be available for transfer this summer.

The 28-year-old’s name will no doubt be familiar with the Fratton faithful, having been linked with a switch to PO4 on three previous occasions.

The central defender was first tipped with a move to the south coast under Kenny Jackett in June 2019, with the Blues having a reported £600,000 bid accepted for his services.

However, Edmundson instead completed a switch to Rangers that summer before his name once again re-emerged under John Mousinho in December 2023 and August 2024.

Although Pompey were tracking the Manchester-born talent upon their return to the Championship, Middlesbrough went on to secure his services on an initial season-long loan.

The powerful defender completed a permanent switch to the Riverside Stadium in January 2025 and has gone on to amass 32 appearances in all competitions.

But outings came at a premium under Kim Hellberg in the north east last term, with Edmundson featuring just seven times as Boro fell to play-off final heartbreak at Wembley.

Despite a two-month injury absence between December and February, the centre-back was a regular fixture on the bench, having been an unused substitute on 19 occasions.

And this could subsequently see Edmundson depart the Riverside Stadium this summer as he enters the final 12 months of his current terms.

In a detailed report, Teesside Live have revealed the 28-year-old is expected to be moved on in the upcoming transfer window, with Hellberg looking to bolster his backline.

The former Pompey target is one of five current options at the heart of defence for Boro, while captain Dael Fry’s future is still to be resolved.

Having totalled just 218 minutes of action last season, Edmundson will also no doubt be searching for regular football, with Middlesbrough potentially hoping to cash in this summer.

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Pompey’s central defensive options

While it’s not a priority, Pompey could look to bolster their central defensive ranks in the transfer window.

Regan Poole and Conor Shaughnessy were frontline options last term, while Madiodio Dia was recruited on the final day of the winter market.

Meanwhile, Josh Knight battled a significant back injury, while Hayden Matthews and Ibane Bowat struggled for appearances.

The latter could be set for a departure this summer should he be in search of regular game time, with 12 months also remaining on his terms.

The Blues have been strongly linked with Dundee defender Luke Graham as his stock soars north of the border.

Clubs in England, Scotland and on the continent are tracking the highly-rated 22-year-old, who is expected to depart Dens Park.

Departing Rangers man Leon King and Elfsborg’s Ibrahim Buhari are two other central defenders who are both reportedly on Pompey’s radar this summer.

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