Major Portsmouth relegation rival makes failed bid for striker as Charlton dealt £2.1m transfer blow
Championship clubs are currently making preparations for their final moves in this January’s transfer window
The clock is steadily ticking down towards the close of the 2026 January transfer window - and still Pompey remain in the hunt for reinforcements for their ongoing Championship relegation survival bid.
The Blues have been active in the 27 full days of business that have passed up until this moment, with three new signings arriving to bolster John Mousinho’s ranks - Millenic Alli (loan), Ebou Adams (undisclosed fee) and Keshi Anderson (free transfer).
£500,000-rated Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Svante Inglesson could be next to walk through the doors at Fratton Park, despite competition from elsewhere in the Swede.
Yet there’s still plenty more to be done in the six days that remain in the window, with Pompey’s lack of fit centre-backs a major concern and the Blues still to add quality competition up front for Colby Bishop.
A busy few days lie in wait, therefore, as Pompey fans watch on in anticipation of the Blues’ next moves.
And it will be the same elsewhere in the Championship as clubs look for ways to better their lot ahead of the final three months of the season.
Here, we take a look at what Pompey’s rivals are supposedly doing in the final days of the transfer window and the type of money they might be splashing out to achieve their remaining 2025-26 season ambitions.
Latest Championship transfer gossip
Blackburn made bid for Sheffield Wednesday forward
Pompey relegation rivals Blackburn Rovers have approached Sheffield Wednesday with an offer for forward Bailey Cadamarteri.
According to transfer guru Alan Nixon, the Ewood Park side are keen to add to their firepower over the remaining days of the window and have made their move for the 20-year-old.
It’s understood, however, that the offer tabled falls short of the Owls’ valuation of a player who has scored twice in 28 Championship appearances this season.
Blackburn are one place and a point worse off than Pompey at this stage of the season as they sit third from bottom in the table. The Blues, however, have played a game less than the Lancashire outfit.
Derby plot move for £9m Ipswich attacker
Ambitious Derby County are currently exploring a move for £9m Ipswich forward Sammie Szmodics.
The Rams, who were promoted back to the Championship behind title-winners Pompey in 2023-24, have - according to the Daily Telegraph - made an approach for the 30-year-old whose season to date has been interrupted by both injury and illness.
It’s understood that the offer on the table has not been accepted by the Tractor Boys but there remains hope that a deal can be done before Monday’s 7pm deadline.
Ipswich, who travel to Fratton Park on Tuesday night, brought in Anis Mehmeti from Bristol City last week, freeing up a potential move for Szmodics away from Portman Road.
The Tractor Boys could also have striker Sam Surridge in their ranks for next week’s trip to the south coast, with Kieran McKenna reportedly keen on the former Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest man who is currently at Nashville SC.
Charlton miss out on defender
Charlton have reportedly missed out on the signing of a defender they had high on their wanted list.
The Addicks, who have won just two of their past 10 games, were reportedly keen on bringing FC Zurich prospect Junior Ligue to The Valley on loan with an obligation to buy as they attempt to stave off the threat of relegation back to League One.
However, it’s been claimed that the 20-year-old has instead opted for a move to Serie B side Venezia after both clubs agreed a £2.1m fee.
On Tuesday, it was reported that Conor Coady would be making the move to Charlton from Wrexham on loan.
Pompey travel to The Valley on Tuesday, February 17.
For your next Pompey read: What Portsmouth’s new-look starting XI & bench could look like after transfer window if rumours were true