'A big threat': What Portsmouth, Cardiff City and Lincoln City can expect from reported transfer target Ibrahim Buhari
Pompey are reportedly interested in Elfsborg defender Ibrahim Buhari alongside Championship rivals Cardiff City and Lincoln City.
Pompey have been given a glowing reference over reported transfer target Ibrahim Buhari.
The Blues have been linked with a move for the Elfsborg man this summer as John Mousinho looks to bolster his ranks ahead of the new campaign.
The report suggests Cardiff City and Lincoln City are also interested in Buhari, along with Turkish Super Lig outfit Kasimpasa, who are believed to have already enquired about the defender’s availability.
The 24-year-old is heading into the final six months of his current terms at the Boras Arena, which has reportedly sparked interest from abroad.
News of potential transfer activity comes after a frustrating start to the campaign for the Nigeria international, who has registered just five appearances in the Allsvenskan this term.
The campaign in Sweden’s top flight got underway in April, with Buhari starting just once in the league so far.
However, the defender has gone from strength to strength at the Boras Arena, having arrived from the Nigerian top-flight in 2022.
During his promising four-year stay with Elfsborg, the centre-back has totalled 77 appearances in all competitions, which has included outings in the Europa league for Di Gule.
What can Pompey, Cardiff & Co expect from reported target Ibrahim Buhari
With Pompey and their Championship rivals believed to be lurking, what can the Blues expect from their reported transfer target?
Speaking after Buhari’s arrival in 2022, former Elfsborg boss Jimmy Thelin detailed the exciting qualities which the 24-year-old possesses.
He said at the time: ‘Ibrahim is a big, powerful and athletic defender with a good passing foot and a good eye for the game.
‘Ibrahim's timing and athletic ability make him a big threat in offensive set-piece situations which was shown by a good goal scorer in the league game.
‘This combined means that Ibrahim is a profile that we believe will suit us well for the future.’
Pompey’s central defensive options
Amid reports in Europe of Pompey’s apparent interest in Buhari, the Blues have also been heavily linked with a move for in-demand Dundee centre-back Luke Graham this summer.
Mousinho’s men did have several bids knocked back by the Scottish side in January, with his side looking to reignite their interest in the upcoming window.
Pompey have six first-team defensive options at present, with Regan Poole, Conor Shaughnessy, Josh Knight, Hayden Matthews, Ibane Bowat and winter arrival Madiodio Dia all vying for spots.