‘Can’t rest on your laurels’: The surprise area Portsmouth will look to strengthen in summer transfer window

Pompey will look to sign another let-back this summer.

That’s the clear verdict of The News’ Blues reporter Jordan Cross, who is also expecting Jacob Farrell to depart Fratton Park during the window.

Long-serving full-back Connor Ogilvie committed his future for a further two years last week, extending his five-year stay to 2028.

The 30-year-old has amassed 196 appearances during his successful south coast stint so far, establishing himself as first-choice under both Danny Cowley and John Mousinho.

Farrell, however, has struggled following his 2024 arrival, with injuries severely hampering his availability.

Having featured just once in his maiden campaign at PO4, the Aussie registered two outings in all competitions last term before joining Western Sydney Wanderers in February.

The 22-year-old is poised to depart Fratton Park this summer, with interest from growing from across the globe in his services.

This means the Blues will likely be in the market for a new left-back during the transfer window to add depth into Mousinho's defensive ranks.

The surprise area Pompey will look to strengthen this summer

And with Ogilvie expected to remain first choice heading into the new Championship campaign, Cross believes Pompey will look to sign a younger talent to push the ex-Tottenham man later in his contract.

Speaking on the latest episode of Pompey Talk, he said: ‘Firstly on Jack Farrell, I reported that he’d be on his way.

‘He will come back in for pre-season training with everyone else but everything pointing to that (his departure) as you’d expect.

‘It’s been an underwhelming stay for Jacob, it’s just not worked out. There’s always reasons for it, he hasn’t been able to get a clear run of fitness. It’s best for all people that it’s best he moves on.

‘My understanding with him is there’s interest in Australia, across Europe, Scotland and some English interest as well.

‘He’s gone back to the A League and may well end up there. So that would leave a space (at left-back).

‘What Pompey will look to do there, you would have thought, I don't think it will be a first choice, I think Ogilvie will probably end up starting.

‘I’d like to think they’d recruit young again and get someone in that's going to push Ogilvie later in his contract and as that two-year deal moves on to maybe one day overtake him as well.

‘You can’t rest on your laurels. I did see one or two people say it was a nostalgic deal in a way for Ogilvie because in the hardnosed world of the Championship you need to kick on.

‘I get that, I think you have to and eventually Pompey will do. But I think he’s got a value.

‘As much as we want Pompey - and all the signs are Pompey will increase their spending this summer - but you’ve got to be realistic where that takes you.

‘But I don’t think we’re in a place yet where we can dismiss what the likes of Connor Ogilvie has to offer.’

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