Portsmouth have signed former Ipswich Town midfielder Lee Evans on a deal until the end of the 2023/24 season.
The 29-year-old was instrumental in Town’s promotion-winning 2022/23 season and had been part of Kieran McKenna’s plans upon their return to the Championship.
However, the Welshman was allowed to leave Portman Road at the start of January after undergoing surgery on a knee injury in October 2023.
Injuries to Tom Lowery and Joe Morrell have seen Pompey swoop, and John Mousinho has spoken of his delight over the signing.
“We’re delighted to welcome Lee to the club and boost our midfield options for the remainder of the campaign,” he told Portsmouth’s official website.
“He has plenty of Championship pedigree and experience of winning promotion out of this league, including with Ipswich last season.
“Lee is a hugely experienced footballer and is comfortable with the ball at his feet, but also a physical presence in the middle of the park.”
When could we see Lee Evans start for Portsmouth?
With Evans returning from a severe knee injury, the Pompey boss has urged caution over throwing him straight into proceedings.
“The outstanding name on the list was Lee Evans, he brings a huge amount of experience and we knew we’d probably not be able to get him if he was fully fit,” he told The Portsmouth News.
“We’ve got that to contend with, but we feel he has a big part to play in the rest of the season when we get him to speed.”
According to The Portsmouth News’ report, the plan is for the midfielder to be fit for the final “seven or eight” games of the season.
The Blues face Blackpool and Burton before Peterborough United on 16 March. The trip to London Road could be Evans’ first outing.
Superb piece of business
With Peterborough, Derby County, Barnsley and Bolton Wanderers all to come before within the final eight games, having a player of Evans’ experience could be vital.
He has previously been promoted with Ipswich, Wigan Athletic and Wolverhampton Wanderers; alongside Marlon Pack, the Blues will have the most experienced central midfield pairing in League One.
The sooner Mousinho and the coaching staff can get Evans up to speed, the better, particularly with tougher tests on the horizon.