Former Birmingham City midfielder Odin Bailey’s first Portsmouth words after sealing switch

New Pompey signing Odin Bailey has shared his delight at sealing his switch to Fratton Park.

John Mousinho’s men kick-started their summer business on Wednesday evening, recruiting the midfielder on a free transfer.

The 26-year-old has penned a three-year deal on the south coast, making the step up to the Championship following his departure from Stockport County at the end of last term.

His release brought an end to a successful three-year stint at Edgeley Park, where he scored 12 goals and collected 17 assists in 140 outings in all competitions.

Bailey also played an integral part in the Hatters’ promotion bid last season, which saw Dave Challinor’s side suffer a 4-1 play-off final defeat to Bolton Wanderers at Wembley.

Prior to his Blues arrival, the former Birmingham City man attracted plenty of interest from the Championship and League One, with Huddersfield Town, Sheffield Wednesday, Lincoln City and Bolton all believed to be keen.

Odin Bailey’s first Pompey words after Fratton Park switch

But the England youth international has chosen Fratton Park as his next destination, which marks a return to the second tier for the first time since 2020.

And now back in the Championship with Pompey, Bailey has explained his excitment at tackling a new challenge at PO4.

A message on his social media read: ‘A really proud moment for me and my family to join such a huge football club.

‘Can’t wait for the next chapter of my career and to create special memories with you all.’

Bailey rose through the ranks with Birmingham, making his senior debut off the bench against Pompey in August 2019.

The midfielder came off the bench in the second half at Fratton Park as Kenny Jackett’s men secured a 3-0 triumph against Championship opposition.

A loan stint at Forest Green followed for the St Andrews academy graduate, who was recruited by Rich Hughes in January 2020.

Bailey returned to Birmingham, where he went on to amass a further seven appearances in all competitions.

Spells with Forest Green, Livingston and Salford City followed before making the move to Stockport County in 2023.

Since then the midfielder was central in the Hatters’ rise from League Two to challenging for promotion in League One, netting 12 goals and collecting 17 assists in 140 appearances.

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Pompey’s current midfield options and potential signings

Bailey adds much-needed depth to Mousinho’s engine room following the departure of Andre Dozzell.

The 26-year-old opted against signing a new deal at Fratton Park, instead making the switch to MLS outfit DC United.

Bailey joins Marlon Pack, Luke Le Roux and Ebou Adams in the midfield, while Mark Kosznovszky remains sidelined with a knee injury.

The Blues are still expected to strengthen in the middle of the park with Fredrikstad talent Rocco Shein poised to sign.

Pompey are closing in on the 22-year-old in a landmark £2.1m deal, their highest fee paid for a player since 2009.

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