Andy Cullen is aiming to replicate last summer’s swift transfer activity to assist Portsmouth in their quest to return to the Championship. The CEO highlighted the rapid recruitment done 11 months ago as a crucial factor in their League One title win this season.
Cullen believes that securing a significant portion of John Mousinho’s squad before the pre-season training camp can be advantageous once again. Last year, Portsmouth made quick moves in the transfer market, bringing in nine players by early July. This early activity, including signings like Will Norris, Conor Shaughnessy, and Gavin Whyte, contributed to team cohesion and excited fans about the upcoming season.
While Cullen acknowledges that not all transfers can be completed early due to the nature of the transfer window, he hopes for another busy start when the window opens on June 14th. He emphasizes the importance of assembling a significant portion of the squad for pre-season training to foster teamwork and enable the coaching staff to shape the team’s identity for the upcoming season.
Portsmouth must keep close tabs on Norwich City’s pursuit of QPR star: View
The 26-year-old, who has played over 100 times for the R’s since joining from Benfica in 2020, is reportedly out of contract at Loftus Road this summer.
The former Arsenal player’s trickery and flair in the attacking third make him a valuable addition to many Championship sides. Norwich City, along with fellow second-tier side Sunderland, are reportedly interested in signing him this summer.
If the Canaries do sign the winger to add to their already impressive attacking roster, it could pave the way for departures from Carrow Road during the off-season, with Abu Kamara likely to be a target.
Abu Kamara’s Portsmouth heroics spark hope of a summer reunion after Norwich City transfer update.
Kamara was a key member of Portsmouth’s League One title-winning squad in 23/24, with John Mousinho’s side losing only five games all season.
The 20-year-old loanee played in all league games and contributed 18 goals to the team’s success.
With the ability to carve open defences, whether through his buccaneering runs with the ball or his piercing passing ability, the attacking star was crucial to the Fratton Park side’s promotion push and possesses the quality required to perform at Championship level.
It would not be surprising if Pompey tried to work out a deal to bring the playmaker back to the south coast for another season, and if Willock is added to the Canaries’ ranks, it could give the young talent even more reason to stay away from Carrow Road.
Kamara left Fratton Park to return to his parent club when the League One season ended in April, but he hasn’t ruled out a return to the club that helped him showcase his talents in the pro game.
He stated, “It’s my first loan, a very productive loan with champions.” You cannot ask for more.
“I’m not the type of person who looks ahead; instead, I prefer to take things as they come and see what happens.
| Abu Kamara 23/24 League One stats | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 46 | ||||
| Starts | 37 | ||||
| Goals | 8 | ||||
| Assists | 10 | ||||
| Goal contribution/90 | 0.50 | ||||
| Source: FBRef | |||||
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My goal is to break into the Norwich first team, but I’d also like to return to Pompey because I enjoy it there.
With Josh Sargent, Gabriel Sara, and Jon Rowe all vying for spots in Norwich’s attacking line, current manager David Wagner has plenty of options right now, not to mention Ashley Barnes and Borja Sainz.
That must have put Kamara on the fringes of the first-team at Carrow Road even before the Willock revelation, and a move away from the club for a second season would undoubtedly assist all involved in polishing another gem to emerge from the City academy.
Norwich City’s Premier League ambitions may help Abu Kamara, Portsmouth deal
Wagner’s team has advanced to the Championship play-offs after a strong second half of the season. Only Ipswich Town and Leeds United have gained more points since the new year.
The Canaries will face United in the end-of-season lottery over two legs in the coming weeks for a place in the Wembley final, with a Premier League spot as the ultimate prize.
If the Norfolk club achieves their goal of regaining promotion to the top flight, Pompey’s chances of resigning their fan favourite from this season would be boosted.
With game time in the EFL likely to be limited, a sensational return to the top table would all but end Kamara’s hopes of becoming a regular in East Anglia the following season, with a Championship loan the most likely outcome.
The 20-year-old’s current contract with City expires next summer, so it’s unclear if he will receive a new one.
Given his previous performances in the EFL, it would be unsurprising to see that deal extended in the coming weeks before another loan move is secured to further his development.
City’s insistence on bringing players into the club rather than playing a star that is right under their noses could play into Pompey’s hands though, and they would drive Willock to Norfolk themselves if it meant helping their own cause for the next campaign.
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