£4.2m-rated former Portsmouth transfer target to join Championship rivals ‘in the next 24 hours’
The latest transfer talk from Fratton Park and further afield as Portsmouth aim to add to their squad during the remainder of the January transfer window.
A reported Portsmouth transfer target is said to be rapidly closing in on a deal to join Championship rivals Birmingham City.
The midway point of the January transfer window is approaching and John Mousinho is yet to add to his squad, despite being linked with several potential targets. The need to strengthen in wide areas was increased by Tottenham Hotspur’s decision to recall Min-hyeok Yang from his loan spell at Fratton Park before agreeing to send the South Korean youngster back out on loan to Pompey’s second tier rivals Coventry City. Further bad news was delivered in Sunday’s FA Cup defeat at the hands of Premier League leaders Arsenal as Harvey Blair and Franco Umeh picked up injuries during the loss.
Several wingers have been suggested as possible targets in recent months and Gambia international Abdoulie Manneh was one of the most unexpected targets to be linked with a possible move to Fratton Park throughout the summer transfer window. The Mjallby winger has impressed throughout his time with the reigning Swedish champions by scoring 11 goals and providing four assists in 59 appearances in all competitions since joining them from Gambian side Wallidan two years ago.
The 21-year-old has reportedly captured the attention of several clubs across Europe - and a report from GiveMeSport has now claimed Manneh has agreed to join Pompey’s Championship rivals Birmingham City. It’s claimed he will complete a permanent move over the next 24 hours.
The report also states the Blues will bring an end to Liverpool youngster Lewis Koumas’ loan deal as they prepare to make Manneh their second January signing after they completed the addition of Philadelphia Union left-back Kai Wagner last week.
Impact
Pompey remain positive they can add to their ranks before the transfer window comes to a close early next month and John Mousinho has already stated he will be looking to replicate some of the success he has experienced during previous winter trading periods.
Speaking to The News on Sunday, the Pompey boss said: “We’ve definitely had some good ones over the past couple of years. I came in January 2023 and, if you look at some of the signings we made that January, it was pretty successful in terms of the impact that they had at the football club. Forgive me if I miss anybody, Matt Macey came in and was excellent, Paddy Lane came in in that January and was one of the best players we had in the promotion-winning side, Di’Shon Bernard came in and really affected things.
‘In the League One promotion season, the likes of Callum Lang, Owen Moxon and Tom McIntyre came in and really strengthened the push. Myles Peart-Harris as well. Last year was a short-term window to make sure we got ourselves out of the problem we had in the league. We had a couple of outstanding loans which really helped with that and outstanding long-term signings as well. So we’ll be looking for more of the same this year.”
Your next Portsmouth read: Portsmouth boss’ big striker transfer hint with transfer action ready to hot up