'We are working on that' - Agent reveals Gustavo Caballero ambition following Portsmouth transfer snub
Former Pompey favourite Gustavo Caballero reports back to Santos today with his representatives still seeking a new European move for the winger
Gustavo Caballero’s representatives are determined to find a route back to Europe for their client.
The Paraguay international’s agent, Diego Serrati, has admitted efforts are being made to get the winger back across the Atlantic in the wake of Pompey’s decision not to pursue a permanent move for the player.
The Blues signed the 24-year-old on loan from Brazilian side Santos in February, with the Fratton Park club having an exclusive option to sign Caballero permanently for a pre-agreed transfer fee, believed to be in the region of £2.5m.
Pompey, however, decided against triggering the transfer clause, with sporting director Rich Hughes confirming to The News last week that the Blues were currently exploring other wing options.
As a result, Caballero is today (Monday) expected to link up with his team-mates at Santos to resume his career with the Brazilian Serie A side.
The forward, who featured twice for Paraguay at the FIFA World Cup, still has three years left to run on his current contract at the Vila Belmiro.
But speaking to Paraguayian media outlet Urbana Sports, Serrati confirmed his intention was to get Caballero a move back to Europe.
He said: ‘Gustavo Caballero has to return to Santos, but our idea is for him to continue in Europe. We are working on that.’
Why Pompey are exploring other wing options
Reports last month claimed Caballero’s representatives had already spoken to fellow Championship clubs and teams in Scotland following Pompey’s decision not to pursue a permanent move for the player.
Explaining why a return to Fratton Park wasn’t something the club was actively exploring, Hughes said: ‘Gus did well for us, he had an impact, it’s really nice to see him do well at the World Cup, but it’s not one we are actively pursuing.
‘He had an impact, there was always this natural point around finding value in the market. He then had that injury at the back end of the season.
‘As much as he had an impact for us, we didn’t see that level to make us want to really pursue that deal at that moment. That’s not to say that doesn’t come back around, but the initial feeling at the minute is not to pursue it.’
Gustavo Caballero’s Pompey career
Caballero racked up 12 appearances for Pompey during the three months he spent on the south coast and quickly established himself as a Fratton favourite as he helped Pompey retain their Championship status for another year.
His playing career at PO4 was. however, cut short by injury. A groin problem picked up by the winger in the 1-0 win against Middlesbrough in April sidelined him for the Blues’ final five games of the 2025-26 season.
Since then, Pompey have signed Northern Ireland under-21 international winger Eoin Kenny from Dundalk. They are also exploring ways of re-signing Abu Kamara, while New Zealand international Luke Brooke-Smith is also reported to be on his way to Fratton Park for £400,000.
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