Portsmouth boss reveals player exit outlook and impact on transfer window finale
We’re now into the final week of the January transfer window with Pompey expecting a busy period, but things aren’t straightforward - as John Mousinho explains.
John Mousinho is anticipating a late flurry of player exits to offset the final stage of Pompey’s transfer window recruitment.
But the Blues boss has detailed how his side’s injury crisis is impacting their ability to let players depart, as winter trading heads to a climax.
It’s now into the final week of business, with the cut-off for deals to be completed 7pm on Monday, February 2.
Pompey have been active with three deals over the line in the shape of wingers Millenic Alli, Keshi Anderson and impressive new midfielder Ebou Adams.
At least one new centre-back is sought with another option possibly arriving, amid the dearth of fit players in that department.
Mousinho has explicitly stated the Blues will look to bring in another number nine, with Colby Bishop and up-and-coming Makenzie Kirk the players available.
Meanwhile, Sheffield Wednesday’s Svante Ingelsson is in Pompey’s sights, with the Owls reportedly looking for £500,000 for the midfielder.
The Blues are firmly aware they have to conduct their business within the confines of the EFL’s 25-man squad rules in the Championship.
They went into the window with one space in their squad, with Minhyeok Yang then recalled by Spurs and sent to Coventry on a temporary deal.
Mousinho: ‘There isn’t the leeway to let anyone out’
With three new faces that means someone registered over the first half of the campaign likely needs to make way, though there is the flexibility of being able to deregister players on a game-by-game basis when the window’s active.
Mousinho has mentioned Jacob Farrell as an example of player he’d like to gain loan minutes away from Fratton Park, but the extent of his injury woes are proving a hurdle to that happening at present.
Pompey currently have a whopping 11 players with issues, while Ibane Bowat played through the pain with a back problem in the south-coast derby draw with Southampton.
Naturally, as the days count down to the window closing the potential options for Farrell or any other players who leave will narrow, making it a tricky balancing act for Pompey.
South African international Luke Le Roux is another player who could conceivably depart, while a new club, either on loan or permanently, is being sought for Tom McIntyre.
It all adds to the complex mechanics of the final week of the window, with Mousinho himself acknowledging the challenges ahead.
Mousinho said: ‘We have to be fluid on it, at the moment there isn’t the leeway to let anyone out.
‘We’re not anticipating letting anyone leave, because we haven’t got enough fit players in the squad.
‘I can’t see the situation changing much but if we sign players, when it comes to players going we ultimately have to move people on.’