David Howes looks at 5 players he thinks the Blues could sign before the transfer deadline on February 3rd.
Harry Amass (loan)
A position Pompey have been crying out for as of late is at left back. Connor Ogilvie has played a very consistent run of games in the Championship this season but is lacking any competition or cover should a potential injury occur.
Jacob Farrell was brought in last summer to compete with the Spurs academy graduate, however he has only played 1 game this season which was a 0-0 draw at home to Sheffield United back in September.
Since then, Farrell has picked up multiple injuries, including an awful knee injury which will require surgery, ending the Australian full-back’s season.
With 1 loan spot left to fill, Pompey only need a left-back for the short-term until Farrell can hopefully make a return ahead of pre-season in July.
At just 17 years old, Harry Amass has been highly regarded by Manchester United’s Premier League 2 side, since joining from Watford in 2023.
United fans were crying out for Amass to find a way into the team after injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia left the left-back role at Old Trafford thin, however Amass is yet to make a senior appearance for The Red Devils at professional level and may very well be eyeing up a move away from Carrington to gain men's football experience.
He would be the ideal loan spot left to fill to give Ogilvie a much-needed rest when needed and some competition to push the Blues’ number 3, who has made that left-back spot his own not only during John Mousinho’s tenure, but prior to that as well.
Adam Reach (free transfer)
The former Baggies man is currently a free agent after departing West Brom last season following the expiry of his contract.
At 31-years old, Adam Reach can firmly say that he has established himself as a consistent Championship player over the years.
Racking up a total of 375 career appearances in the second tier over the past decade, Reach would bring some pedigree playing at this level into a matchday squad.
While it may take Reach some time to gain match fitness again, a short-term option until the end the season would benefit all parties involved and may even lead to a renewal if Reach joined Pompey and has a successful spell as part of John Mousinho’s squad.
Pompey do have some experienced heads in the dressing room in the likes of Matt Ritchie and Marlon Pack, but what the Blues lack is enough players that have been there and done that at this level at both ends of the table.
Reach has exactly that and is extremely versatile with where he can play. He could be an option for the left back spot if needed, also having the option of playing in the higher and deeper midfield areas of the pitch, as well as out wide (another area Portsmouth lack depth).
Some may say that wages could be an issue in bringing Adam Reach to the South-Coast, but with the likes of Josh Murphy, Isaac Hayden and Matt Ritchie at the club, it’s possible that Richard Hughes could work his magic again and persuade Reach to join Pompey’s project.
Erik Pieters (free transfer)
Another stop gap option that could be entertained, is bringing in veteran left-back Erik Pieters on a short-term deal.
The 36-year-old would again be a free transfer, after he had an extremely short-term spell at Luton Town the past two months making 0 appearances.
Like Harry Amass, Pieters would be a good fit as cover and competition for Connor Ogilvie for that extremely thin left back spot.
He accumulated over 58 apprentices at West Bromwich Albion in the championship the past two years, before getting released by the baggies last summer.
He may not long term be the project Pompey would need at all, but like Amass he would provide that cover short term for the Injured Jacob Farrell, who if he can stay fit will most likely be Portsmouth’s starting left-back in years to come.
Pieters would also add some experience to the dressing room, with over a decade of English football on the Dutch full-back's CV.
Harvey Vale (loan)
A name Pompey fans on X have been saying they would love to join the club; Harvey Vale would be a perfect option to have in the attacking areas to give the likes of Josh Murphy and Callum Lang a breather every now and then.
Vale is very versatile, covering both wings and the number then spot which is occupied by Pompey’s top scorer Lang, who can simply not be relied on to (at times) play 3 times a week to keep fit and stay clear from picking up any injuries.
The same goes for Josh Murphy, who has looked very tired and fatigued as of late, despite still giving his all down that left wing. The former Oxford man got a much-needed rest this past weekend and with the games still coming thick and fast until the international break in March, Pompey are desperate for depth and some friendly competition in attacking areas.
Vale would most likely only be a loan transfer and could be a nice fit for that final loan spot that Portsmouth have available.
Vale could also come in as cover for Matt Ritchie, after it was announced that Paddy Lane will miss the rest of the season due to a knee injury he suffered away at Blackburn.
The Chelsea winger would be a player that comes in with albeit only 2 championship games at Hull a few seasons ago, but Vale did have a successful spell on loan at Bristol Rovers in League One last season, racking up seven goals contributions in 39 appearances.
Kaide Gordon (loan)
The Liverpool winger did not exactly have the most ideal spell on loan at Norwich, but the 18-year-old will be looking for another loan for the second half of the season, having a point to prove to Arne Slot.
Gordon would again like Vale, be on loan until the end of the season with the former Derby youngster only making eight cameos for Norwich City this campaign.
He would be able to add depth and competition for Matt Ritchie on the right-hand side, with a favoured left foot that the Liverpool man likes to cut across with on the right wing.
Mousinho will be looking to give Ritchie (who is 35) some rest and pushing following Paddy’s Lane’s injury, with Harvey Blair not really having a look in since his start in the horror show away at Stoke back in October and injuries not being kind to Blair, who will know Gordon very well.
Gordon can also cover and the left for Murphy and if needed up front for Colby Bishop, but with the recent signing of Thomas Waddingham from Brisbane Roar, Christian Saydee who favours more in the number 10 position, but is known as an out and out striker and the hopeful comeback of Brighton loanee Mark O’Mahony, the striker department will be fully loaded ahead of the remainder of the season.
Who would you like to see Pompey sign before the deadline? Where in the team do you believe the Blues need to strengthen the most?
Tell us below!
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