Rated: The chances of Portsmouth making loan deals for Luton, Spurs, Ipswich, Blackpool and Manchester United men permanent beyond this season
Pompey head coach John Mousinho has some important decisions to make before now and the end of the season.
By Mark McMahon
Published 21st Mar 2023, 11:49 BST
Updated 21st Mar 2023, 11:55 BST
Not only must he make his mind up on the 10 senior players whose contracts expire at the end of the season, he’ll also have to make the call whether the Blues make any of their loan signings this season permanent ones.
So what are the chances of that happening? Is there scope of any of the five who currently call Fratton Park home staying?
Here, we take a look, rating each player’s chance of remaining at Fratton Park out of 10.
Here, we take a look, rating each player’s chance of remaining at Fratton Park out of 10.
5. Joe Pigott - 7/10
The On-loan Ipswich striker's time at Fratton Park has been a strange one. Despite racking up 37 appearances in all competitions, only seven of those outings have come as league starts. Indeed, his recent inclusion in the starting XI for the games against Sheffield Wednesday and Accrington was just the third time Pigott had started back-to-back league games this season. A popular figure within the dressing, it also appears that he carries favour with John Mousinho, who has said he'd be open to keeping the 29-year-old at Fratton Park. There's little to suggest from Ipswich that they would stand in the player's way, if there was a willingness from the Blues. The player's value will also have dropped in the two years that have nearly passed since his goal-filled spell at Wimbledon. And that puts the ball firmly back in Pompey's court. Just how serious would they be in keeping Pigott permanently? Photo: Simon Davies
On paper, Pompey are a stronger side when the Blackpool winger is in the starting XI. However, his return of one goal and six assists from 42 games played this term says exactly what it says on the tin - more is needed. That could be one of the key reasons why the 24-year-old has found himself on the bench for the past two games. His work-rate, energy, pace and passion make Dale a fans' favourite and many would love to see his season-long loan converted into a permanent deal. Yet his goals and assists return might prove telling, while Blackpool's stance on the player must not be forgotten about. If they stay in the Championship, they could easily cash in on the player to help fund additional summer business. If they are relegated, though, Dale might be needed for their own League One campaign next season. At the end of it all, though, money talks. If Pompey really want Dale, then they'll have to dip their hands in their pockets. How deep they want to go, however, depends on them. Photo: Jason Brown