Portsmouth make Conor Chaplin transfer decision as Derby County circle | OneFootball

Conor Chaplin spent the season on loan with Portsmouth from Ipswich Town

Conor Chaplin made his return to Portsmouth last summer on loan from Ipswich Town.

The playmaker originally came through the ranks of Pompey’s academy system before departing for Coventry City in 2018.

He played a role in helping the Tractor Boys gain back-to-back promotions in 2023 and 2024, but he was loaned out after their relegation back to the Championship in 2025.

However, Chaplin’s return to Fratton Park didn’t go as planned, with the 29-year-old contributing two goals and three assists from 36 league appearances.

There is now uncertainty over his future, with his contract with Ipswich expiring this summer, making him a free agent.

Portsmouth could potentially pursue a permanent deal for Chaplin, with FLW exclusively revealing that Derby County are also interested in a move for his signature.

Portsmouth update on Conor Chaplin’s future

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Portsmouth sporting director Richard Hughes has claimed that it is unlikely Chaplin will sign for the club on a permanent basis following his loan spell from Ipswich.

He believes the playmaker would be the first to admit that his return to Fratton Park didn’t go as anyone had hoped, even if he showed a great attitude, and that they’re not actively pursuing a deal at the moment.

“At this point I would probably say no,” said Hughes, via the BBC.

“We're really grateful for Conor's impact around the group last year.

“I think Conor would probably be the first one to say it probably wasn't the return he hoped for, but what he was was an unbelievable character around the building and he was a leader, which I think speaks testament to Conor as a person and as a natural leader.

“To come in as a loan player and show that level of commitment to a group in terms of how he developed it, how he worked with the younger players, how he trained consistently every day, and how he sort of engaged with everything that we ask of players in this football club is testament to him.

“But it's not something that we pursued at the minute and not something we're really actively looking to bring in.

“But I think anyone that spoke to anyone who's affiliated with this football club would tell you what an unbelievable person and character Conor is.

“We've also sought his feedback on what he saw, what he thought and how we can get better as a group as well.”

Chaplin’s return to Portsmouth was welcomed by supporters, and it was hoped he could help the team improve on their 17th place finish in 2024/25.

However, the team fell back to 18th in their second season back in the Championship under John Mousinho.

But the Hampshire outfit did improve their overall points tally, and avoided relegation eight points, finishing comfortably clear of the bottom three.

The 29-year-old’s future is now uncertain, with his contract with Ipswich expiring later this month, leaving him as a free agent.

Portsmouth’s decision not to pursue a permanent move will open the door for Derby to potentially seal his signature.

Chaplin previously helped Ipswich gain promotion to the Premier League when he contributed 13 goals and eight assists from 44 appearances in 2023/24, as Kieran McKenna’s side finished second in the table.

The Rams came eighth this season, missing out on a play-off place by four points, with John Eustace now keen to bolster his side.

Derby will be aiming for another top eight finish next season, with the play-offs expanding to include another two teams in 2027.

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Derby have a free run at Conor Chaplin

If Derby want to bring in Chaplin, then they may have a free run at him with Portsmouth pulling out of the race to sign him.

While he struggled with Mousinho’s side this year, his previous track record still shows enough promise that he could get back to his best with the right environment.

Given he will also be a free agent, it is a relatively low risk signing, as the only major financial concern will be his wages.

Derby have used the free agent market well in the past, with Rhian Brewster joining last season as an obvious example, so this is a move that has some potential, even if there are some warning signs after his disappointing stint at Fratton Park.