'We had a conversation': Portsmouth boss on why £1m man doesn't have a Fratton Park future
The former South African international has made 16 appearances since joining in July 2025
Pompey are open to offers for Luke Le Roux as they seek to reduce their playing numbers.
According to John Mousinho, the Blues will accept either loan or permanent offers for the ex-South African international, who has struggled to make a first-team impact since joining from IFK Varnamo just 12 months ago for around £1m.
Although a regular in Pompey’s match-day squad and free from injury, the central midfielder has largely been overlooked by Mousinho since his July 2025 arrival, totalling just 16 outings during his time on the south coast.
Now, following the signing of Rocco Shein to bolster their midfield options, the Blues are stepping up attempts to offload Le Roux - and their head coach has explained his reasoning.
‘It is something all parties are aligned with’
Mousinho told The News: ‘We have spoken to Luke about maybe trying to get him some game time elsewhere, that is something all parties are aligned with.
‘There has been interest in him and we’ve monitored Luke through pre-season in terms of making sure we give him the appropriate minutes and getting him as fit as we possibly can. We’ve needed him as well in the games, so it’s a case of just being patient with that and seeing what pops up.
‘I just think where we are - and where we were last season - he needs to play games. We had a conversation at the back end of last season about what that would potentially look like this year for him.
‘Luke’s great to have around the squad. When he played he came in and had an impact, but probably for our expectations and for Luke’s expectations last season, he didn’t play enough. It’s about making sure he maximises that opportunity.
‘We would probably look for a loan - but we are open to either a loan or sale.’
Featured against Bristol Rovers
Le Roux was among nine substitutes introduced in the 62nd minute of Saturday’s pre-season friendly at Bristol Rovers.
The Blues claimed a 1-1 draw at the League Two outfit, with Brandon Downey grabbing a 77th minute equaliser to cancel out Fabrizio Cavegn’s second-half opener.
Pompey are next in friendly action at Wycombe on Saturday (July 25), yet before then are hoping to address their playing squad.
According to Mousinho, Marko Milovanovic and Daniel Bielica are expected to be confirmed in the early part of the week, having long been linked with Fratton Park moves.
In terms of departures, Makenzie Kirk has joined Barnsley on a second-long loan, while the Blues are also hoping to offload Ibane Bowat, Jacob Farrell and, of course, Le Roux.
It has been a hugely disappointing spell on the south coast for Le Roux, who arrived as a current South African regular with hopes of cementing his place in their World Cup finals squad.
However, he hasn’t played for his country since landing at Fratton Park and wasn’t even included in their 26-man squad at this summer’s tournament.