Portsmouth could struggle to keep some of their star players regardless of what league John Mousinho’s side are in next season.
Richard Hughes’ recruitment during the summer of 2023 has proven to be a masterstroke; unknown quantities have turned out to be vital cogs in Pompey’s table-topping machine.
The sporting director’s work started last January, with Paddy Lane arriving after falling out of favour at Fleetwood Town. The Northern Irishman is now arguably the Blues’ most valuable player.
Another who was plucked from almost nowhere is Kusini Yengi. The 25-year-old Aussie has spearheaded the Blues’ promotion push recently, amassing the best minutes per goal ratio in England’s top four divisions.
Yengi has now translated his form to the international stage, and Pompey surely must be preparing for interest in the summer.
Portsmouth must prepare for Kusini Yengi transfer interest
The striker, unfortunately, cannot be classed as a youngster anymore; in fact, he’s probably nearing the prime of his career.
Seven goals in just 619 minutes could attract interest from suitors with deeper pockets than Pompey come the end of the season. Furthermore, after Yengi’s start and goal against Lebanon for Australia, his presence will be well known.
Players of his stature and pace don’t come around too often, and they are certainly a rare commodity in the modern game. The Blues are certainly benefitting.
But it’s not an outrageous claim to suggest others higher up the food chain will be taking a look.
Portsmouth transfer strategy could prove successful
If interest in the “brilliant” Aussie does emerge, Hughes and Mousinho will surely view it as part of the club’s transfer strategy.
Players signed for next to nothing are being sold for significant fees, which is required in the modern game, with PSR and FFP closing in on some of England’s biggest clubs.
However, Pompey fans can probably sleep easy at the moment. With both players contracted beyond this season, it would take a significant fee to prize them away from Fratton Park.