‘A couple’: Portsmouth boss hints at imminent departures as transfer activity intensifies
Pompey are looking to offload a number of players this summer as John Mousinho assembles his Championship squad.
John Mousinho has hinted at a ‘couple’ of departures before Pompey jet off to their pre-season training camp next week.
And the Blues boss is expecting ‘quite a few’ exits this summer as he assembles his Championship squad.
Thirty players are contracted to Fratton Park at present following the arrival of Odin Bailey on a free transfer on Wednesday evening.
This means departures will be on the cards as Mousinho looks to free up space in his side in order to bring in fresh faces.
Ibane Bowat has been told he is free to leave in the window after struggling for game time during his two-year stay, while the Blues will give the green light to a permanent or temporary exit for Jacob Farrell.
Pompey boss hints at imminent exits
Indeed, the head coach told The News this week that as many as six players could be shown the door at Fratton Park to accommodate any new arrivals.
Pompey head off on their pre-season training camp next week as preparations for their third-successive Championship campaign ramps up.
And Mousinho hinted at the possibility of a ‘couple’ of exits before the Blues jet off to their camp on Monday.
Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, the Blues boss said: ‘Yeah we expect quite a few departures (this summer).
‘There’s a couple that by the time we go away next week may not be with the squad.
‘But it’s one of those that as soon as I make the decision on that and as soon as we talk through the players that might potentially leave the football club, then that’s fine then I have very little to do with it after that.’
Potential incomings and outgoings at Fratton Park
With 26 players over the age of 21 currently in Mousinho’s squad, there will be some headaches regarding departures this summer.
Mark Kosznovszky is not expected to be registered for the first half of the season as he continues his recovery from a significant knee injury.
The futures of other members of the squad are also under the spotlight, with Bowat and Farrell expected to make way.
Meanwhile, the Blues are setting their sights on strengthening their ranks as their recruitment drive continues to gather pace.
Bailey sealed his free-transfer switch to Fratton Park on Wednesday, penning a three-year deal.
Pompey are also making headway in their pursuit of UD Almeria striker Marko Milovanovic, with Mousinho’s side working on a deal.
Abu Kamara is another player believed to be wanted this summer as the Blues bid to bolster their attacking line.