Portsmouth had actually a quote accepted by Manchester City for Alex Robertson however the midfielder picked Cardiff City, sporting director Richard Hughes has actually stated.

Portsmouth had a hectic summertime transfer window as they wanted to construct a team efficient in combating an instant go back to League One.

Several finalizings were made, however one man lots of were eager to see return was midfielder Alex Robertson. He ended up being a standout gamer in the middle of the park over the very first half of the 2023/24 project just to see his season interrupted by injury.

Nevertheless, his contribution to Pompey’s title win was still a noteworthy one.

However, a return to Fratton Park did not concern fulfillment in the summertime. The 21-year-old rather left Manchester City for Championship competitors Cardiff City, however things might have been really various had Portsmouth got their method.

Speaking to The News, sporting director Richard Hughes has actually exposed that Pompey in fact saw a quote for Robertson accepted by the Premier League champs. But, for whatever factor, the previous loan star decided to head for South Wales rather.

Here’s what Portsmouth director Hughes needed to state when quizzed on the matter:

“The club had actually a quote accepted for Alex, we had backing from the owners, and he picked Cardiff.

“Without wishing to be flippant or dismissive, the factor for his choice would be a concern for Alex and those closest to him. He chosen Cardiff, he felt it was the best action for him, we want him the outright finest for 44 of their 46 video games this season. He’s a fantastic young man and I’m sure he will go on to have a great profession.

“The player is always going to have their decision on where they want to go. In this scenario, Alex chose to go to Cardiff and we wish him the best.”

Why did Robertson select Cardiff City?

Portsmouth fans would have believed they would remain in a fantastic position to sign Robertson in the summertime. Given his status as a company preferred and the success he delighted in with the club, they may have felt they had actually conquered the greatest obstacle in getting a quote accepted.

However, in Cardiff City, they were up versus a hard enemy.

As detailed in the Bluebirds’ statement of his finalizing, Robertson is the nephew of previous Cardiff midfielder Gavin Rae. As such, the previous Manchester City possibility hung around supporting the club and wearing their colours while backing his uncle.

While not the conclusive response behind his choice to head there, one would believe that played a huge part in his choice to head for South Wales in spite of the happiness he discovered with Pompey.

Mousinho’s midfield

Nevertheless, Portsmouth were still able to include some brand-new midfielders to their ranks this summertime.

It was determined as a location of significance, particularly after stopping working to restore prominent loan man Robertson.

Joining Marlon Pack, Owen Moxon, Terry Devlin, Ben Stevenson and Tom Lowery in the middle of the park are Abdoulaye Kamara, Freddie Potts (loan) and Andre Dozzell. It implies there’s great depth in the middle for Mousinho, even without Robertson returning.

The hope would have been that he might return however with 3 brand-new additions, they’ll be hoping one can lock down the beginning area along with captain Pack.