What John Mousinho has said about exciting new Portsmouth signing Luke Brooke-Smith after fending off international interest
Pompey have confirmed the arrival of teenage talent Luke Brooke-Smith on a permanent deal from Wellington Phoenix.
John Mousinho has shared the key qualities new signing Luke Brooke Luke Brooke-Smith will add to his frontline next term.
And the head coach is confident the 18-year-old talent will ‘strengthen’ his Championship attack, despite his age.
The Blues’ summer recruitment drive continued on Tuesday morning, with the winger completing a permanent switch to Fratton Park from New Zealand outfit Wellington Phoenix - subject to FIFA, FA and EFL registrations.
Brooke-Smith has penned a four-year deal on the south coast after Pompey fended off international interest from the United States, Italy and Spain to secure his signature.
The New Zealand international, who can operate across the frontline, enjoyed a brilliant breakthrough campaign in the A-League last term, featuring 19 times for The Nix.
This earned him a maiden senior All Whites call up in 2025 but narrowly missed out on Darren Bazzley’s World Cup squad this summer.
John Mousinho details exciting qualities in new Pompey signing Luke Brooke-Smith
Despite his age, however, Brooke-Smith registered 37 appearances in all competitions for Wellington, netting one goal and collecting two assists after his 2024 debut.
And Mousinho is chomping at the bit to work and develop the exciting young forward, who is a ‘quick, direct and aggressive winger’.
Speaking after the Kiwi’s arrival, the head coach told Pompey’s official website: ‘We’re delighted to strengthen our squad further with the addition of Luke.
‘He’s a quick, direct and aggressive winger, who is comfortable on both sides of the pitch and has a lot of experience of senior football for his age.
‘I’m looking forward to seeing him continue his impressive development here at Fratton Park over the next few years.’
Pompey’s attacking options after latest forward arrival
Brooke-Smith becomes the latest player to complete the switch from the A-League to Fratton Park in recent years.
The attacker joins Kusini Yengi, Jacob Farrell, Thomas Waddingham, Hayden Matthews and Adrian Segecic in making the exact journey to the English south coast since 2023.
Keshi Anderson (quad) and Franco Umeh (groin) will both miss the start of the Championship campaign due to their respective injuries, while Josh Murphy is working his way up to full fitness.
This has left Harvey Blair and Eoin Kenny to slot in out wide in pre-season so far as well as academy talent Brandon Downey.
Brooke-Smith now becomes Pompey’s sixth signing of the summer, with Kenny, Odin Bailey, Rocco Shein, Marko Milovanovic and Daniel Bielica also making the move to Fratton Park during the current transfer window.