‘The way he’s going’: The exciting verdict on reported Portsmouth and Lincoln City target as Championship clubs circle

Gary Bowyer believes Tyrese Shade is ready to make the leap to Championship football.

And the Burton Albion boss has explained what Pompey & Co can expect from the attacker, who is on the radar of a number of second-tier clubs this summer.

The Blues are one of three Championship sides believed to be interested in the 26-year-old after an outstanding campaign in League One for the Brewers.

After netting 14 goals for Eastleigh in non-league prior to his switch in July 2025, Shade continued his excellent goalscoring record in the EFL last term, netting 14 goals and collecting two assists at the Pirelli Stadium.

His impressive showing has since alerted a number of Championship clubs, with Pompey and Charlton Athletic both reportedly keen, while Lincoln City are believed to have had a number of £2m bids rejected.

Bowyer has since admitted he expects his main man to depart before the window’s climax amid growing interest from the second-tier as the Brewers look to cash in their star striker, who has one-year remaining on his current terms.

Burton boss’ Tyrese Shade prediction

The head coach is, however, adamant Shade has the qualities to follow in the footsteps of former Burton attacker and current QPR forward Rumarn Burrell and succeed in the Championship.

Speaking about Shade’s impressive goalscoring form, Bowyer said: ‘Delighted for him because I’ve followed his career for a long time now.

‘I’ve kept following him and when we arrived (at Burton Albion) last December (in 2024), I sent (scout) Pat (Lyons) to go and watch him (at Eastleigh) and he said he was the best player on the pitch.

‘We tried to get something done in January (2025) but we couldn’t quite get it done.

‘Once we lost (Rumarn) Burrell to QPR (we went and signed Shade).Ironically these two played together in U9s so Burrell and Shade were a strike partnership.

‘But the way he’s going, it’ll catch him up in the Championship.’

Play Up Pompey! Stay in the know with match-day action, exclusive analysis and more with our free newsletter

What can Pompey expect from reported target Tyrese Shade?

Shade can operate across the front-line, although his preferred position is in a more central role.

The Blues are potentially in the market for a versatile attacker in the final knockings of the window following the recent injury to Thomas Waddingham.

And speaking after the attacker’s arrival in July 2025, Bowyer identified the key qualities Shade has in his disposal, which has seen him thrive.

Speaking at the time, the Burton boss said: ‘A huge thank you to the owners for enabling us to complete the exciting capture of Ty. He is someone whose career I have followed closely from his time on loan at Walsall until now.

‘Ty comes to us on the back of a great season scoring all types of goals and we know he will excite our fans. He brings pace and power to our front line and we look forward to working with him.’

Your next Pompey read: Lincoln City v Portsmouth: Early team and injury news as 10 out and 3 doubts for Sincil Bank contest