Right-backs are needed by Pompey this summer as they prepare for the Championship.
Pompey hopes to assemble a team that will be competitive in the Championship the following season, thus they will be strengthening in every area this summer.
There are obvious voids to be addressed after six first team players were released when their contracts came to an end and four loanees concluded the season at Fratton Park. A successful transfer window is also important because, as they go to a higher level of football, they will naturally need to build on what they already have.
However, some members of John Mousinho’s team require more surgery than others, and the right-back position for the Blues is one such example situation. With Joe Rafferty gone and Zak Swanson looking likely to follow suit, Pompey presently have no recognised right-side full-back in their ranks.
Thus, Rich Hughes, the sporting director, has that as a top priority to handle in the upcoming weeks. What, though, are his options and what’s out there?
Since the Blues have often stated that funds will be made available for the correct acquisitions, the Fratton Park team will have the opportunity to spend this summer strengthening. However, Hughes & Co. will continue to search for sales. In an effort to save costs and make astute hiring decisions, they will also be examining the options on the free-agent market.
Which free agent right-backs might therefore be residing at Fratton Park come football season? We looked into the Championship and League One to find out, and this is what we found out.
Thus, Rich Hughes, the sporting director, has that as a top priority to handle in the upcoming weeks. What, though, are his options and what’s out there?
Since the Blues have often stated that funds will be made available for the correct acquisitions, the Fratton Park team will have the opportunity to spend this summer strengthening. However, Hughes & Co. will continue to search for sales. In an effort to save costs and make astute hiring decisions, they will also be examining the options on the free-agent market.
Which free agent right-backs might therefore be residing at Fratton Park come football season? We looked into the Championship and League One to find out, and this is what we found out.
1. From left: Reuell Walters, Jordan Williams, Danny McNamara and Cody Drameh
From left: Reuell Walters, Jordan Williams, Danny McNamara and Cody Drameh
2. Cody Drameh – Leeds United
The 22-year-old Leeds United defender spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Birmingham, where he featured 30 times in all competitions. He joined Leeds from Fulham in 2020 for £350,000. Drameh has bags of Championship experience following loans spells at Cardiff and Luton and has a valuation of 3m euros, according to transfermarkt.com.
3. Danny McNamara – Millwall
The Irishman has featured 134 times for the Lions after emerging through their youth ranks. McNamara played 33 times in the Championship last season and made 21 league starts as Millwall made use of his versatility. Someone who can play across the back line would make him an interesting proposition for Pompey. He also knows the area well after spending a period on loan at the Hawks in 2019.
4. Jordan Williams – Barnsley
The 24-year-old has spent the past six years at Barnsley, where he has racked up more than 200 appearances for the Tykes. 52 of those outings came during the 2023-24 campaign, of which 45 were starts as Barnsley’s promotion hopes were dented by Bolton on the play-off semi-finals. A reliable and versatil performer, who is only going to get better.
