'Sensible move. Will regret it': Mixed Conor Chaplin verdict after Portsmouth transfer decision
Pompey have ruled out a summer return for Conor Chaplin following his Ipswich Town release.
The Fratton faithful remain split on Conor Chaplin’s future after Rich Hughes confirmed Pompey will not look to sign the Fratton Park academy graduate on a permanent basis this summer.
Chaplin spent last term on loan with his boyhood club but failed to hit the heights many - including himself - expected following his emotional homecoming in September 2025.
The attacker netted just two goals and collected three assists in 37 outings in all contributions as John Mousinho’s men earned a 18th-placed Championship finish.
Following the completion of his season-long loan at PO4, Chaplin was released by Ipswich Town, who opted against trigging a 12-month option following their promotion to the Premier League.
Despite becoming a free agent, Hughes confirmed Pompey will not explore a permanent swoop for the 29-year-old this summer as they focus their transfer attention elsewhere.
And that decision has been met with a mixed response on social media by the Fratton faithful, with some supporters insisting it’s the correct call, while others believe Mousinho’s troops will ‘regret it’.
Here’s the best of the reaction from X and Facebook.
Mixed Pompey verdict on Conor Chaplin move after Ipswich Town release
X
@ryanlewis79: Right and sensible decision.
@DanLewis1999: If he didn’t play for us before, we would have said he was the worse transfer we’d done in years. Honking for basically every game for us.
@ODJchef: Think we’re silly for not pursuing this. Considering the players we’ve signed in the past 2 seasons he’d be a good player.
@SFA1802: I don't blame Hughes for this one. I would've liked Chappers if the wages and squad status was right but not at the expense of Segecic's development. I'll always be thankful for his contribution last season.
@Hutchy657: I think we have to sign him he is still a very good player for free I don’t why we wouldn't sign him.
@RobaFett1898: Take the sentiment out of it and there is no way any Pompey fan would be calling for his return. Just didn’t do enough to earn a place back here. Gutted though, as we all wanted it to work out better.
@Willmott3Sam: Personally would have gone all out to get him.
@PFCBOY19: Not bothered, he is past his best.
Ultragrumpy: Sensible move, an underwhelming loan period.
@snookerfan123: Probably score 20 wherever he ends up. Just never worked unfortunately.
Tony Saunders: The correct decision - a real shame but just didn’t work out. Good luck Conor in wherever you go. One thing for sure it wasn’t through the lack of effort.
Cian Cox: Should have signed him. But probably didn't want to pay him a big wage.
Christopher Norris: He is a good player who had a bad run. I’m gutted as I had faith and wished that our local lad would come good, especially with more creativity up front. We’ll see how good or bad that decision is, come August when we tot up all of these better players we’ll have signed???
Nik Anthony: As much as we love him as a person, he is not the way forward for us. Good luck Conor wherever you go.
Jeremy Drew: He’ll sign for a championship side and score well next season and we will regret it
Tom Clark: Correct decision nowhere near the level last season.
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