Portsmouth unveil third signing on busy transfer deadline day after capturing Senegal defender

Pompey have pulled off their third capture of transfer deadline day with the signing of Madiodio Dia.

The Senegalese central defender has joined for an undisclosed fee from Norwegian club FK Haugesund and pens a two-and-a-half year deal.

The Blues turned to the 22-year-old after late attempts to recruit Dundee’s highly-regarded Luke Graham were unsuccessful.

Dia, who started his career in Senegal with ASC Linguere, moved to Haugesund in the summer of 2023, while also had a loan spell with Egerdund.

Speaking to the club’s official website, John Mousinho said: ‘We’re delighted to strengthen our defensive options by bringing Madiodio to the club.

‘He’s a tall and aggressive defender who will add some real physicality to our back-line and exactly fits the type of profile we were looking for.

‘We believe he can be a dominant presence for us and is also someone who still has plenty of time to develop, so I’m excited to start working with him.’

It has been a busy day for the Blues, with Jacob Brown and Gustavo Caballero also arriving on loan for the remainder of the season.

While Tom McIntyre’s contract has been cancelled by mutual consent and Callum Lang has joined Preston North End.