Transfer gossip: Portsmouth in summer battle with Cardiff City and Lincoln City for top-flight talent
Pompey have been joined in the race by Championship rivals Cardiff City and Lincoln City in the race to sign a European centre-back this summer.
Pompey have been credited with an interest in Elfsborg defender Ibrahim Buhari.
The countdown to the transfer window is on, with less than three weeks to go until business gets underway.
It’s expected to be busy on the south coast as John Mousinho’s troops bid to progress in the Championship next term following their 18th-placed finish.
The Blues’ recruitment planning is full steam ahead as they continue their preparations for the summer.
Pompey in summer battle with Cardiff City and Lincoln City for defender
Indeed, one of Pompey’s targets is reportedly Elfsborg’s Buhari, who is attracting strong interest from the Championship.
Swedish news outlet Expressen have claimed Mousinho’s men have ‘made initial contact’ to sign the centre-back in the upcoming window.
The Blues aren’t believed to be alone in their apparent pursuit, with new Championship rivals Cardiff City and Lincoln City also said to be interested.
Meanwhile, Turkish Super Lig outfit Kasimpasa have targeted Buhari, having asked about his availability.
The report suggests the Nigerian defender will depart the Boras Arena in the summer window, with six months remaining on his current terms.
Who is reported Pompey target Ibrahim Buhari?
Game time has also been limited for the 24-year-old, who has registered just one start in his four league outings this term.
Elfsborg’s Allsvenkan campaign only got underway in April and currently sit fourth in the standings after the opening 10 games.
The former Nigeria youth international made the move from Nigerian top-flight outfit Plateau United in 2022 and has gone on to amass 76 appearances in all competitions for Di Gule.
Among those performances, Buhari has plenty of European experience under his belt, having featured nine times in the Europa League.
But with his contract set to come to a close at the end of 2026, the central defender is expected to depart Elfsborg this summer, with Pompey, Cardiff City and Lincoln City all reportedly keen.
Pompey’s central defensive options and targets
Mousinho’s men did have several bids knocked back by the Scottish side in January, with the Blues 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.