Portsmouth are set to complete the signing of Australian attacking midfielder Adrian Segecic, 21, who scored 13 goals in 24 A-League games for Sydney FC in 2024-25. (The News), external
Take a look at Tuesday's full gossip column to see the latest transfer news and rumours from the EFL
Portsmouth are keen on signing former youth player John Swift, 29, after he was released by West Bromwich Albion, while Pompey are also eyeing a move for winger Adrian Segecic, 21, from Australian A-League side Sydney FC. (The News), external
Want more transfer news and rumours from the EFL? Take a look at Monday's full gossip column
Ben Ashton
BBC Sport England
Image source, Getty ImagesWatford are getting relegated, Plymouth are staying up, Millwall are in the play-offs and Portsmouth are also battling for a top-six spot.
Does something sound a bit off? Well, that's what would have happened if the Championship season started on 1 January.
Here's a look at the 2025 calendar year table, showing who the form sides were in the second half of the season and who went into freefall.
Perhaps the most notable difference between the actual final top six and the 2025 version is that Millwall would be in the play-offs and Premier League-bound Sunderland would not.
Burnley and Leeds still comfortably occupy the automatic promotion spots, albeit the Clarets would be unbeaten at the top of the pile with the Whites in second.
Coventry improved significantly after Frank Lampard replaced Mark Robins and are third over the course of the year.
The Sky Blues would instead be pitted against Bristol City in the play-off semi-final as opposed to Sunderland. Who knows what difference that would have made to their promotion bid...
Image source, Rex FeaturesPortsmouth - who spent much of the season battling relegation and only secured their Championship safety with two games to spare - are seventh and just one point outside a play-off spot.
Pompey sit above Sunderland, who lost their final five games of the season and are down in eighth.
The data perhaps shows just how long Regis Le Bris' side effectively had a play-off spot sewn up before their victory at Wembley against Sheffield United to claim promotion.
Relegation battlers Oxford find themselves seven places higher than where they actually finished in the 2024-25 campaign (17th), reflecting the good work done by Gary Rowett after he took over as boss from Des Buckingham.
Image source, Rex FeaturesPlymouth would have survived comfortably had the season begun in January 2025, showing a significant uptick after Miron Muslic replaced Wayne Rooney at the helm.
Middlesbrough tailed off significantly in the second half of the season, underpinning why they missed out on the play-offs. It was a drop off that ultimately cost Michael Carrick his job as head coach.
Norwich City conceded more goals (32) than any other side in 2025, which counteracted the hard work they'd done at the other end, having been the fourth top scorers (31) since the turn of the year.
Image source, Rex FeaturesWatford had a disappointing 2025, winning just five of their 23 games and losing 13 to finish bottom of the calendar year table.
The Hornets had the joint-worst goal difference along with Cardiff (-10) and head coach Tom Cleverley was sacked following the end of the season.
Preston and Cardiff won the fewest games of any side in 2025 (4), which cost the Bluebirds their Championship status and almost led to the Lilywhites dropping into League One as they avoided relegation by one point.
Paul Heckingbottom's side would be down if only games this year were counted.
Luton and Derby scored the fewest goals in 2025 (19) and attacking output was an issue that plagued both sides throughout the entire campaign.
It had major consequences for the Hatters with back-to-back relegations, while the Rams survived by a point - and only on goal difference in the yearly table.
Data collated from Transfermarkt
Andrew Moon
BBC Radio Solent's Portsmouth commentator
Image source, Getty ImagesAre Portsmouth a year wiser with a squad that has learned about the Championship or could we see second season syndrome?
They will be hoping it is more of the former next season, so what transfers are required this summer to ensure a successful campaign?
It is worth reflecting on last summer's recruitment - that window was heavily criticised after the poor start to the season.
Elias Sorensen was not up to the Championship, Abdoulaye Kamara has barely featured and Harvey Blair also struggled to adjust to the level. I had forgotten Sammy Silvera had even been a Pompey player.
Ibane Bowat and Jacob Farrell managed just a solitary game between them because of injury and this is a big pre-season ahead for both.
A year on though and it actually looks a fairly decent window.
Josh Murphy was a brilliant free agent signing. The £300,000 for Nicolas Schmid looks an absolute bargain, Matt Ritchie made some telling contributions and Freddie Potts was one of the best loans in recent years.
Add to that a January window where Pompey got exactly what they needed and sporting director Rich Hughes and the recruitment team can feel satisfied.
So what does this summer have in store?
The budget will be increasing however it is still likely to be one of the lowest in the Championship.
Promotion for big spending Birmingham City and Wrexham does not help. It might mean looking abroad for new arrivals, something Pompey have increasingly done in recent windows.
There are areas which are fairly settled and if Ben Killip signs a new deal the goalkeeping position is sorted.
We know the Blues would love to sign Rob Atkinson permanently. If Atkinson was to arrive the defence would be sorted. Tom McIntyre and Ryley Towler are both likely to be allowed to leave and there will be a queue of suitors for the latter.
Midfield will need some work with at least two new central midfielders required. Finding Championship quality starters is challenging and it is unlikely there will be a loan option with as much experience as Potts had in League One.
Signing under-21 players from Premier League clubs with minimal first team games is a big gamble. The free agent market is also much smaller in the Championship than League One.
Avenues that have worked for the past couple of summers might not work this time around.
Colby Bishop, Murphy and Callum Lang will all be pencilled in to start next season.
Remember When… We Actually Won Something
"Never in my years growing up did I think I'd see Pompey in a cup final. Never."
Portsmouth fan Jeff Harris joins Rick Edwards for the most recent episode of Remember When as they look back on Pompey's FA Cup trophy-winning run back in 2008.
The side beat Cardiff City 1-0 at Wembley thanks to Nwankwo Kanu's first-half goal to secure their second FA Cup trophy - after a 69-year wait.
Listen to the full episode and more of the Football Daily podcast on BBC Sounds.
Image source, Rex FeaturesPortsmouth goalkeeper Nicholas Schmid has received his first international call-up for Austria ahead of their World Cup qualifying games.
The 28-year-old has made 35 Championship appearances for Pompey since joining from Austrian side BW Linz in August 2024, keeping eight clean sheets.
The side will face Romania on 7 June before heading to San Marino the following Tuesday.
Right-back Terry Devlin has also been selected for international duty, linking up with Northern Ireland for their upcoming friendlies against Denmark and Iceland.
Image source, Rex FeaturesCohen Bramall is grateful for an "amazing time" with Portsmouth - and says he expects the Blues to challenge for the Championship play-offs next season.
The 29-year-old former Rotherham, Lincoln and Colchester left-back made 12 Championship appearances, four of them starts, after arriving at Fratton Park from the Millers in January on a short-term deal.
The one-time Arsenal youngster told BBC Radio Solent that not being offered a new contract by Pompey had not come as a shock, saying: "It wasn't surprising because of the financial situation and the players already in that position.
"I kind of got told that already before I signed. The reason why I signed is that it's Portsmouth, a massive club, and a bigger platform to play on, and I back myself to perform and show the league, the team, myself and other people what I'm all about.
"I appreciate the gaffer being honest with me. He took a gamble on bringing me in. I am more than grateful to him for giving me the opportunity.
"I went from playing two years in the Championship with Rotherham to not really playing a lot in League One under Steve Evans.
"It doesn't look great, a League One player going to a team in that position in the Championship in January - I am guessing the fans would want a higher standard of player, but the fact they welcomed me and gave me the time of day was amazing and refreshing for my mental state.
"Before I came I wasn't in the greatest of headspaces. It wasn't a good time. Fratton Park brought me back to normal. It brought back so much confidence and knowing how well I can play. I got back to my old self.
"I am at peace. I did the best I could. I might have not been offered a deal but it feels good to have played a part in keeping Portsmouth up."
Bramall says he'll "wait and see" where he ends up next season, though he already has an idea where Pompey may find themselves.
"I think play-offs, and that's not stretching it," he said. "Minimum you're looking at top 10 - we finished so strong at home, if we can tidy up a few things with away performances and be more solid, they can 100% creep into the play-offs.
"It's one of the hardest leagues in the world. My first year at Rotherham we stayed up, second year, back-to-back, it's hard to stay up. You have to replicate and more. It was mentally draining, but I think they'll be sweet."
Image source, Rex FeaturesJohn Mousinho says he expects a relatively busy summer at Fratton Park, with Pompey eyeing a mix of free-agent signings, purchases and loan players.
The Blues boss told BBC Radio Solent this time of year "is probably busier than usual" but said the club are in a "really strong position" having consolidated in the Championship after promotion and are not in any rush to conduct business.
"Nothing is close at all, we've been tracking players but we're not panicking," he said. "There's definitely a couple of free agents we are interested in but it's likely to be a combination of paying fees for players and bringing loans in."
Mousinho added he felt the club's retained list this year "probably wasn't a controversial one".
Kusini Yengi scored 13 goals in all competitions in 2023-24 as Pompey won League One, but was not offered a new deal after failing to make a telling impact this term, without a goal in 14 appearances.
"He was pivotal in us winning the league last season but for a number of reasons it's not quite happened for him this year, including some injuries," Mousinho admitted.
"It felt like the best way was to not exercise his option and let him explore other options. We're happy where we are in the centre-forward department and didn't see him playing a lot next year."
Also departing is left-back Cohen Bramall, who the Blues signed in January on a deal until the end of the season, with Mousinho adding: "It was a good opportunity for him to showcase himself and I think he did well, had a very solid contribution to us managing to stay up and was a very positive influence."
The club hope keeper Ben Killip will agree a new deal while they have exercised their option to keep former Arsenal right-back Zak Swanson, with Mousinho saying: "He ended up starting 24 games this year - when he has played I think he's looked every inch a Championship right-back."
He added: "There's nothing we are absolutely desperate to do. What we don't want to do is let players go too early and then not necessarily have replacements. It's probably going to be a case of waiting to bring players in before we let players go.
"It won't be like it has been for the past two summers. It won't be 14 through the door. It won't be one or two. I suspect it'll probably land halfway between them. We're not going to force anything."
One of those who remains on the radar is Bristol City defender Rob Atkinson, who enjoyed a successful loan at Pompey to finish the season.
"Everyone knows we're there and perfectly willing to do a deal for Rob but he's Bristol City's player and we'll see what they do with him first," Mousinho said.
"If they had gone up it probably would have made things slightly more straightforward but it depends on them."
Pompey head coach John Mousinho discusses the retained list
Portsmouth's retained list is discussed in the Who Needs Mourinho? podcast
'Have the club made the right calls, plus what does the summer recruitment look like?'
In the final Who Needs Mourinho? of the season, Chris Wise, Andy Moon and Guy Whittingham look at Pompey's retained list.
Were the club right to release Kusini Yengi and keep Zak Swanson?
There's also your questions answered in Moon's Musings.
Click here to listen to BBC Radio Solent's Who Needs Mourinho podcast via BBC Sounds.
Image source, Rex FeaturesPortsmouth are keen to bring defender Rob Atkinson back next season, but are in no rush to push a deal through.
Sporting director Richard Hughes told BBC Radio Solent that Pompey plan a conversation about the 26-year-old's future, but only after parent club Bristol City's Championship play-off campaign is over.
The defender made 14 league appearances, 13 of them starts, after arriving at Fratton Park on loan in January, and scored two precious goals against Derby last month to help keep the Blues away from trouble.
"We've loved having Rob, he's been brilliant and made a big impact," Hughes said. "He's Bristol City's player and we'll always be respectful of that.
"We'll probably have to let their season come to a natural conclusion and then there's a conversation to be had as to whether something works for everyone."
Hughes said "it's probably unlikely any other loanees return", adding: "They have all served purposes. I know Freddie Potts will want to test himself at the highest level. I spoke to Graham Potter… West Ham have been really pleased with his development.
"Adil Aouchiche and Isaac Hayden both came in in January and affected games in different ways and helped in that upturn in results post-January.
"We'll never say no but we're looking in a lot of different directions."
There are likely to be departures too, with Hughes admitting: "Some of them will have had a big impact on the team in the past two years but there are some players who need to go and play football, that's really important, for their development and to do the right thing.
"It's a natural evolution from going from a League One team to finishing in a relatively good position in the Championship. We want to keep getting better."
Hughes said he did not expect much movement on the transfer front until June and said Pompey would "take learnings" from signings which have not worked out, adding: "Players have to have an athletic profile, have to be able to handle the ball and have to be able to cope with the demands that John Mousinho's going to place on them.
"I think there'll be fewer players than we have seen in the last couple of summers. The board have always been open and respectful when we've put the right propositions in front of them. Invariably they have always backed us.
"We'll be looking to bring in some players who can affect the starting XI and better the club for the here and now but also the future."
Click here to listen to BBC Radio Solent's full interview with Richard Hughes.
Portsmouth sporting director Richard Hughes looks ahead to the summer
Portsmouth expect interest from other clubs in boss John Mousinho this summer, sporting director Richard Hughes has admitted.
Mousinho, 39, was appointed to his first managerial role at Fratton Park in January 2023 and has already etched his name into club folklore.
He guided Pompey from 15th in League One to finish eighth in his first campaign before winning the title last term and then guiding the Blues to a 16th-placed finish in their first season back in the Championship.
Mousinho has been linked with the vacant coaching roles at West Bromwich Albion and Norwich City but Hughes told BBC Radio Solent he hopes his head coach will stick with the "exciting project" he is building.
"This club is incredibly special and has got a real unique character around it," Hughes said.
"It's exciting for me and John. There's scope to progress and build the club and I know that's something that really appeals to John.
"I'm sure there absolutely will be interest in John, and rightly so because he's done a terrific job in the time he's been with us.
"There's likely to be people that want to have those conversations but I know John is happy, he loves the area, he loves the team and the project.
"It's natural in football if people do well there's likely to be interest but our expectation is to keep moving forward and keep progressing, that way we can keep the group and the staff together, add to the squad and keep making everything stronger, better and keep delivering on the pitch."
2024/25 Season Review
"From Colby Bishop's introduction onwards, Pompey's season changed.
"Suddenly, it wasn't Sorensen up front struggling, it was Colby Bishop and what he brought on and off the pitch was phenomenal."
Neil Allen joins Chris Wise and Andy Moon to look back at Pompey's season.
They look back at how the season unfolded and go through the candidates for player of the season.
There's also your questions answered in Moon's Musings.
Listen to the full episode and more on the Who Needs Mousinho? podcast.
Image source, Rex FeaturesPortsmouth striker Colby Bishop is already looking forward to another year in the Championship and says they will be a "very strong team" next season.
After winning just one of their opening 14 games and sitting five points adrift of safety at the bottom of the table, Pompey picked up 45 points in the next 32 matches to finish 16th.
John Mousinho's side were on a 64-point pace from 9 November onwards, which would have seen them finish in the top 10 if they had carried that form through the whole season.
It was a run that coincided with Bishop's return to the side following heart surgery.
"Obviously, I missed quite a big chunk of it and didn't come back in the greatest place, so if you'd told me then that we'd finish 16th, then I'd have snapped your hand off," Bishop told BBC Radio Solent.
"It's down to the lads and the staff who worked really hard and reaped the rewards."
Bishop ended the season as Portsmouth's league top goalscorer for a third consecutive campaign with 11 goals in 32 appearances.
"After missing a big chunk, I didn't know what was going to happen or how many you're going to get," he said.
"But I'm happy to get top goalscorer - three seasons as top goalscorer."
The 28-year-old, who extended his contract at Fratton Park in February until June 2028, believes Pompey can improve on their league position next season.
"Last year was a rocky start, so I'm looking forward to having a fresh start, coming back fit and seeing where this team can take it," Bishop added.
"If we have a fully fit team next year with some of the lads we've got and a couple more signings, I think we'll be a very strong team.
"I think the club has moved forward so much since I first came here, and behind the scenes, they're still trying to make it so much better, so I think it's only going to go in one direction."
Image source, Getty ImagesIn his second full season in management, John Mousinho has guided Portsmouth to a 16th place finish
Portsmouth boss John Mousinho has said that everyone at the club "can be proud" after a successful season in the Championship.
A draw against Hull City on Saturday marked the end of their first season back in the second tier since 2012.
In his first full season in management, Mousinho won the league One title, and in the second, his side secured a 16th placed finish in the Championship.
They were confirmed as safe with two games to spare, and ended the season with some strong results.
"It was important to stay unbeaten towards the back end of the season and five unbeaten is a good return." Mousinho told BBC Radio Solent.
"The performance today was awful for 20 minutes but I guess some of it can be expected.
"The progress this season is a really good sign of where we are as a club and a fantastic achievement - everyone can be very proud of what we have done.
"But football doesn't wait for anyone, we have to go again, but for now we can take a break from the relentlessness."
