Hayden Matthews found himself behind Conor Shaughnessy, Regan Poole, Benjy Arthur and Jojo Dia in the Blues’ central defence pecking order.

Hayden Matthews has departed Pompey on loan.

The central defender, who hadn’t featured for Pompey in any of their first four games of the season, has completed a season-long move to League One Bradford City.

The 22-year-old makes the switch to Valley Parade after 20 appearances following his move from Sydney FC in January 2025.

The Australian is the fifth member of the Blues squad to leave PO4 during the transfer window, with Makenzie Kirk, Jordan Williams, Ibane Bowat (permanent deal) and Josh Knight also swapping the Championship in order to get regular game time in the third tier of English football.

Keeper Josef Bursik could follow suit ahead of Tuesday night’s deadline, with the 26-year-old interesting AFC Wimbledon.

Matthews could make his Bantams debut when Graham Alexander’s side host Cambridge United on Tuesday night.

Welcoming the move, the Australian told Bradford’s media team: ‘I am delighted to be here. It is a massive club, and I cannot wait to get out there and play in front of the supporters.

‘I had a good conversation with the manager, and he convinced me of the way he wants to play. I think it really suits how I want to play my football, with high energy and pressing high.’

Bantams boss Alexander added: ‘Hayden has great attributes for a centre half in our team - mobility, composure in possession and a real competitive mindset.

‘He is highly regarded and is determined to show what he can do here.’

Matthews is under contract at Pompey until 2029.

‘With the competition for places we currently have in the centre of defence, we felt this was a good opportunity for Hayden to go out and play some games,’ said Blues head coach John Mousinho.

‘He is still very young and we believe he can continue his progress at a good club like Bradford before returning here an even better player.’