Portsmouth and Cardiff City-linked defender completes surprise European switch after summer Championship speculation
Pompey were one of three Championship clubs linked with a move for defender Ibrahim Buhari earlier this summer.
Ibrahim Buhari was a name linked with Pompey earlier this summer, but speculation was wide of the mark.
Swedish news outlet Expressen claimed the Blues had made ‘initial contact’ with Elfsborg as the head coach set his sights on a new central defender.
Pompey weren’t alone in their apparent interest, with the report stating Championship new-boys Cardiff City and Lincoln City were also keen.
It was believed the English second-tier trio were eyeing a cut-price deal for Buhari, with the Swedish top-flight side looking to cash in on the defender, who was heading into the final months of his contract.
Pompey-linked defender completes European switch
The Nigeria youth international has sealed his move away from Elfsborg this summer, joining Austrian Football Bundesliga outfit Austria Vienna.
Despite links with a move to English football, Buhari has penned a long-term deal with the Austrian top-flight side, penning a long-term deal until 2029.
The Violets currently sit eighth in the early-season standings, having won one of their opening three matches, with the centre-back starting all three league fixtures as well as featuring three times in Uefa Conference League qualifying.
Following his switch to the Estadio Franzo Horr last month, Austria Vienna sporting director Thomas Zorn spoke of his delight at landing the highly-rated centre-back.
He said: ‘In Ibrahim Buhari, we have signed a centre-back whose athletic ability and physical presence are an excellent fit for our requirements.
‘As part of our planning, we scoured the market thoroughly and ultimately made a conscious decision to sign Ibrahim because he brings exactly the qualities we were looking for in our defence.
‘At the same time, we are staying true to our strategy and continuing to rejuvenate our squad.
‘We are convinced that Ibrahim is an excellent fit for Austria Vienna, both on and off the pitch, and that his qualities will enrich our team.’
Pompey’s centre-back options
Mousinho has six options to choose from at the heart of defence, with that number expected to change in the final weeks of the window.
Ibane Bowat was moved on earlier in the window, joining Huddersfield Town for an undisclosed fee, which brought his frustrating two-year stay at Fratton Park to a close.
Further exits are anticipated as the market heads towards its climax, with Josh Knight and Hayden Matthews’ futures under the spotlight having been left out of the 20-man squad for Saturday’s curtain raiser against QPR.
Arthur’s inclusion came just days after his arrival from Brentford, with the highly-rated 20-year-old penning a season-long loan deal at Fratton Park.