"A wildcard option" - Portsmouth urged to sign ex-AFC Bournemouth defender | OneFootball

FLW's Portsmouth fan pundit has highlighted one free agent he would like to see the club sign this summer

FLW’s Portsmouth fan pundit believes that the club should pursue a move for Ryan Fredericks this summer.

Pompey will surely be keeping a keen eye on the free agent market during the transfer window following their promotion to the Championship.

John Mousinho has already added a few fresh faces to his side this summer for no transfer fee, including Jordan Williams, Josh Murphy and Jordan Archer.

The south coast club will be hoping to build a team capable of remaining competitive as they move up to the second tier, returning to this level for the first time since 2012.

Portsmouth have until 30 August to complete any signings, but free agent deals can be finalised outside of the usual transfer window.

Ryan Fredericks Portsmouth verdict

FLW’s Portsmouth fan pundit Miltos Ioannidis believes that Fredericks would be a great addition to Mousinho’s squad.

While he admits that it might not be the most realistic signing due to the player’s potential wages, he feels it is a signing that would add a lot to the team for life in the Championship.

“First off, you will find plenty of good value in the free agent market,” Ioannidis told Football League World.

“Now, the player I will go with, and don’t get me wrong, perhaps I might be getting slightly ahead of myself here in terms of realism, it’s more of a wildcard option, but I will say it anyway.

“I will go with Ryan Fredericks of AFC Bournemouth.

“Now Fredericks is obviously a player with Premier League and Europa League pedigree, and he will definitely not be short of options this summer.

“His wages are quite off what we’re currently paying on average as a club, but with us still visibly looking for more cover in the right-back position, and Frederick being a player with such experience and leadership qualities as well, he feels like someone who would be a really good signing on a free.

“Again, it’s more of a wildcard option, I don’t necessarily expect us to be going after a player like Fredericks, but he’s still at a good age, he could provide a team with a lot things, and someone who our other defenders, especially Jordan Williams, could benefit from.

“So, realism aside, I think he would be a good option.”

Ryan Fredericks’ Bournemouth departure

Fredericks has become available following the end of his two-year spell at Bournemouth, where he struggled for game time.

The 31-year-old featured just 12 times for the Cherries in the Premier League during his time there, including only five starts.

The defender didn’t play a single minute of league football across the last 12 months, so could be open to taking the drop down to the Championship in order to get regular game time.

However, it remains to be seen whether Portsmouth could convince him to make the switch to Fratton Park.

Ryan Fredericks signing could work for Portsmouth

If Portsmouth could get Fredericks to take on a lower wage that’s more in line with their structure then this could be a solid bit of business.

However, that could be a very difficult task and it would depend on what other offers he could get elsewhere.

His arrival would bring a lot of experience to this squad as they take the step up to the Championship, which could be a great asset to have in the dressing room.

The full-back is also still capable of competing at this level, so would bring some extra defensive quality to Mousinho’s options.