The summer transfer bullet Portsmouth dodged in search for attacking talent

Pompey were linked with a move for winger Patrick Nuamah last summer as John Mousinho looked to strengthen his frontline.

But 12 months on, the winger has endured goalscoring woes in Italy’s second division, with the Blues looking to have dodged a transfer bullet.

Mousinho’s troops were linked with a number of players during the 2025 summer transfer window, with the head coach looking to bolster his ranks ahead of their second Championship campaign.

The transfer bullet Pompey dodged

Indeed, Nuamah was a name heavily touted with a move to Fratton Park after reports on the continent suggested Pompey were tracking the attacker.

Sky in Italy claimed the Blues had shown a strong interest in the 20-year-old, who was braced to depart financially-stricken Brescia.

Mousinh was looking to strengthen on the left wing to aid Josh Murphy, with Minhyeok Yang and Florian Bianchini subsequently arriving later in the window.

It was believed Pompey were looking to raid the Italian outfit after they declared bankruptcy in June 2025 following their relegation from Serie B.

A move to Fratton Park was later rubbished, with Nuamah instead making the move to Serie A side Sassuolo on a three-year deal having also been linked with Inter Milan.

But the Italy youth international would be sent straight out on loan to second-tier outfit US Catanzaro, joining on a two-year loan contract.

In the first year of his stay at the Stadio Nicola Ceravolo, Nuamah failed to register a single goal and collected just two assists in 29 appearances as Alberto Aquilani’s side secured a fifth-placed finish in Serie B.

The reported Pompey target struggled for regular match minutes and outings as he fell down the pecking Aquilani’s order, which saw him limited to just 10 league starts.

Nuamah still has another 12 months on his current loan deal with US Catanzaro before returning to Sassuolo next summer.

On the outside, the winger looked to fit the bill with Mousinho’s troops looking to bolster the left wing, while also recruiting young and upcoming talent.

Dive into the inside track on all things Pompey when you subscribe to our premium newsletter with Neil Allen and Jordan Cross

Pompey, though, look to have dodged a significant transfer bullet, with Nuamah continuing to struggle in Italy’s second division.

Although reports of a move to PO4 were later rubbished, the Blues did recruit in numbers last season.

Eleven players arrived through the doors at Fratton Park 12 months ago, with loanees Minhyeok and Bianchini aiding Murphy on the left.

Franco Umeh was also signed on the right, with Adrian Segecic required to slot in at various points of the campaign.

It’s expected to be another busy summer on the south coast, with Mousinho looking to bolster his frontline, who struggled for goals last term.

Your next Pompey read: 'Not the greatest company in Seville': Marlon Pack on ruining birthday surprise to help save Portsmouth