Jacob Farrell’s proposed move to Central Coast Mariners has collapsed - but that doesn’t mean he’s now staying at Pompey beyond the January transfer window

Jacob Farrell could still leave Pompey this month.

That’s despite the left-back’s proposed return to former club Central Coast Mariners falling through.

A loan move back to the A-League side for the 23-year-old had been lined up during the January transfer window, with the defender in desperate need of match minutes following a frustrating 18 months at Fratton Park.

Since arriving from the Coasties in July 2024, Farrell has featured just twice for the Blues, with an MCL injury and a groin issue that required an operation keeping him on the sidelines for the vast majority of his time at PO4.

The Australia under-23 international made a surprise return to the Pompey match-day squad against Bristol City on New Year’s Day. He was also named among the substitutes for Sunday’s FA Cup third-round defeat at the hands of Arsenal.

However, neither involvement resulted in any match action for the full-back as he remain on just two appearances for the Blues.

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What next for Jacob Farrell after Central Coast Mariners loan collapses

With the defender needing an opportunity to once again showcase his ability, get valuable minutes into his legs, and build up his durability, a temporary return to the Mariners made a lot of sense for both the player and Pompey.

For it to collapse because of the Australian Professional Leagues’ decision to strip Central Coast Mariners chairman Mike Charlesworth of the club's licence following the collapse of an unofficial ownership deal will come as a blow to all parties.

But it doesn’t mean Farrell staying at Fratton Park now for the rest of the season.

Rather, The News understands the Blues remain keen on allowing the player to depart on loan this month, while Farrell is also on board with that stance.

Work continues behind the scenes on that front. Meanwhile, it’s also our understanding that the Mariners aren’t the only club to have shown an interest in Farrell this month. Indeed, while that route has been blocked for now, the defender also has clubs in England and further afield in Europe keen.

Jacob Farrell’s position in Pompey pecking order

Connor Ogilvie’s earlier than expected return from a knee injury helps facilitate a temporary move for Farrell, who is contracted to the club until 2028.

Indeed, while the Aussie defender remained on the bench against the Gunners, his team-mate was handed a 28-minute run-out as the second-half substitute returned to the pitch for the first time since November 5 and Pompey’s goalless draw against Wrexham.

Right-back Zak Swanson’s form when deputising for both Ogilvie and Farrell in recent weeks will also have influenced the Blues decision-making process - as will the 25-man squad limit the club has to operate under over the second half of he season.

Farrell was included on that list over the first half of the campaign, despite his most recent injury. But with Pompey needing to create space in their current ranks to facilitate the 3-6 January signings wanted by Mousinho this month, the defender’s position was always going to fall under the microscope this month.

It’s not clear whether Farrell’s likely departure will mean Pompey adding another left-back to their ranks over the remainder of the transfer window.

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