Gustavo Caballero has given an indication of what his future holds - irrespective of whether Pompey take up their option to buy the winger on a permanent deal from Santos

Gustavo Caballero has indicated he intends to stay in Europe regardless of the outcome of his Pompey loan.

The Paraguay international spent three months Fratton Park over the second half of the season after arriving from Brazilian outfit Santos on Februay 1.

Caballero racked up 12 appearances for John Mousinho’s side in that period and largely impressed as he helped the Blues retain their Championship status for another year.

Unfortunately, the last time the Fratton faithful saw the 24-year-old play was during the 1-0 win over Middlesbrough on April 11. Indeed, a groin injury prevented the winger from featuring in Pompey’s final five games.

Since then, Caballero has left these shores to return home to his native Paraguay, where he’ll hope to link up with the national team ahead of next month’s World Cup Finals.

Mousinho has also provided an update on the Blues’ intentions regarding the pacy wideman, after an exclusive transfer option of around £2.5m was inserted in the deal that brought the Paraguayan to the south coast on the final day of the winter transfer window.

According to the head coach, Pompey hope to renegotiate that agreement and only pay what they believe to be the ‘market value’ of the player.

That stance has the potential to lead to a stand-off between both the Blues and Santos, where Caballero is under contract until 2029.

Yet, regardless of the outcome, Caballero looks like he has no plans to give up on his dream of plying his trade on this side of the Atlantic.

Caballero cotent to be providing for family away from home

When asked by Paraguayan news agency Ramiro Aranda Futbol Py about potential homesickness when he was in the UK and longing to return home, the winger said: ‘Being realistic, I don't have that mindset.

‘It's true that I think about the family, but I know that, in the end, I'm the head of the family. They trust me and are always keeping an eye on me, so I think that way.

‘Of course, one misses them, but that gets solved with a call or by communicating day to day.

‘I try to think a lot about what it's like to be here and to enjoy it, because it's something unique.

‘Always, since I was a kid, I dreamed of playing in Europe at a big club. I'm living that dream and enjoying it.’

Pompey’s right-wing options

Caballero scored once for Pompey during his 12-game loan and was a player Mousinho wasn’t afraid to call upon despite his lack of experience of the English game.

If a fresh agreement cannot be struck with Santos, then the Blues’ existing options for the right-wing berth are Adrian Segecic, Harvey Blar and Franco Umeh.

With Segecic anticipated to attract admirers over the summer followng his impressive end to the 2025-26 Championship season, Pompey are expected to improve their options in that key position during the close season.

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