Portsmouth boss’ transfer message as targets are left out of squads
The transfers targets didn’t feature for their teams over the weekend, as Pompey push on with their player chase - John Mousinho is trying to stay patient.
John Mousinho stressed the importance of Pompey getting their strategy right as they take their next steps in the transfer market.
The Blues are today pushing on with their business, with French striker Nesta Elphege in their sights as attention turns to reinforcing attacking areas.
Pompey target Elphege not involved for Grenoble
The News revealed last week the Grenoble front man is wanted to strengthen the number nine position, an area Mousinho has hinted needs bolstering in the coming weeks.
Elphege wasn’t involved for his team on Saturday, as they fell to a 3-0 loss to high-flying Red Star in Ligue 2.
Pompey are also keen on FC Zurich winger Jahnoah Markelo, who wasn’t part of the squad yesterday as they returned to action after the Swiss winter break against Servette.
Markelo also didn’t report for his team’s training camp ahead of their return to action, though reports in Switzerland suggest the 23-year-old also has attracted interest from Holland in recent months.
Mousinho has made it clear it’s attacking areas which is where the focus currently lies, with the Pompey boss telling The News another winger is still required after bringing in Millenic Alli from Luton Town last week.
Alli was the first player to arrive two weeks on from the window opening at the start of 2026, with the loanee joined by the permanent capture of Ebou Adams from Derby County on Friday evening.
Adams sealed a £500,000 arrival on a two-and-a-half year deal, representing the business required to give Pompey the kind of Championship quality needed to improve Mousinho’s squad.
Markelo absent from FC Zurich side on return to action
Supporters are now clamouring for further business, especially in a week where Wednesday’s Championship trip to Watford is followed by Southampton arriving at PO4 for the south-coast derby on Sunday.
Mousinho gave an insight into the recruitment process and the wait which is going on for Pompey to get the players they feel can make a difference, with up to six new faces sought before 7pm on February 2.
He said: ‘There has to be that balance you have to strike.
‘You have to strike a balance between waiting too long and that player not being available, then missing what the second or third choice might’ve been.
‘We have to make sure you get the balance right.
‘We could’ve signed 15 players by now, we could’ve had everything done and dusted, but we want to wait for the right ones.
‘By the same token, we don’t want to get to the end of the window and miss out on any of the ones we could’ve taken who may have affected things, but aren’t at the top of the list.
‘We’re not sitting there waiting for the sake of waiting, though
‘If we can do deals we’ll do them, but I still look across the Championship and don’t see a huge amount of activity.’