In just four days, Portsmouth will be able to begin assembling a team that will compete in the 2024–25 Championship. Ten players were shown the door at Fratton Park in May as part of an effort to hone the team, and John Mousinho and the club board have since been evaluating possible successors.
But some of their future Championship rivals don’t seem to have said goodbye to everyone just yet; more departures from Sheffield United and Leeds are expected to occur in the coming weeks.
Here is the most recent information from Pompey’s 2024–2025 opponents ahead of the transfer window…
Leeds outcast set for Elland Road departure
Charlie Cresswell, a defender for Leeds, is anticipated to leave Elland Road in the coming transfer window along with Crysencio Summerville. Summerville is drawing Premier League teams like Crystal Palace, but Cresswell’s exit is expected to be less spectacular because he and head coach Daniel Farke had a falling out.
After playing 127 minutes in Leeds’ opening two Championship games of 2023–2024, the 21-year-old centre back played just eight more minutes in league play the rest of the season, with six of those minutes coming in 2024.
It’s now possible that the England youth international will leave Elland Road due to his ongoing struggles to play for the first team, according to Alan Nixon via Caught Offside. Leeds has Cresswell under contract until 2027, but the Whites hope to sign him for £3 million. Although Nixon’s report makes no mention of possible suitors, it is believed that the England U21 star has begun to receive interest from both France and Germany.
Back in January, Farke stated of Cresswell in reference to his lack of playing time: “He won’t be picked until he is ready, mentally ready.” All I want are players who are willing to participate, embrace their roles, and give it their all. It’s not an indictment. Charlie has a valid point, but the initiative is entirely on him. One thing is certain: if the club doesn’t live up to our expectations, we don’t wrap him up and give him as a gift.
“There’s either a solution where a club meets our requirements for a talented player, or there isn’t. Then, he must embrace his role and adopt the attitude, “I’m ready to fight.” This explains why I haven’t chosen him lately.
Derby County and Watford eye Sheffield United ace
Ben Osbourn of Sheffield United is said to have drawn interest from Watford and Derby County, even though early transfer rumours indicated he would stay at Bramall Lane. Should he decide to leave the Blades, he would follow the five other prominent members of the club who have already said goodbye to the recently demoted team.
There is now uncertainty regarding the 29-year-old’s future with the team as the soon-to-be Championship team is once more on the verge of being taken over. The left-back and central midfielder joined the team in 2019 after spending six years with Nottingham Forest. He has made 134 appearances and will be included in the squad that will play in the Premier League in 2023.
According to Alan Nixon’s most recent reports, which were obtained by Yorkshire Post, Derby County and Watford are now involved in an attempt to sign him. Osbourn’s extensive experience in the second division makes him a perfect addition for either Watford, who finished 15th in 2023–2024, or the recently promoted Rams. Derby is rumoured to have other transfer options in the area.
