Portsmouth urged to make Bristol City, Rob Atkinson call despite transfer doubts | OneFootball

After almost two years out the defender has impressed in 10 Championship appearances for Portsmouth

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Portsmouth FC have been told to pursue a permanent move for Bristol City loanee Rob Atkinson – even if the likelihood of success is low.

Pompey borrowed the Robins defender back in January, with the loan move a convenient deal for both clubs.

After almost two years out Atkinson has stepped up his recovery from a serious knee injury with regular gametime at Pompey, the 26-year-old providing his loan club with quality and leadership at the back as they battle to remain in the Championship.

Portsmouth urged to pursue Rob Atkinson permanent deal despite slim chances

Portsmouth signed Rob Atkinson in the first week of the January transfer window, with the view for the Bristol City defender to receive competitive game-time after almost two years on the sidelines.

Atkinson had not made a senior appearance after being stretched off against Sunderland in February 2023, but any rust has clearly been shaken off, as he has impressed at Fratton Park - especially with a two-goal haul against Derby County this past weekend (granted, he did also score an own goal).

Football League World's resident Portsmouth fan pundit Miltos Ioannidis would love to keep the defender on the south coast beyond the end of the current season, but is not getting his hopes up over a potential permanent move.

However, despite downplaying his side’s chances of signing Atkinson again, Miltos believes his side should attempt to sign the centre-back whatever the case.

He told Football League World: “I think we should be all-in for Rob Atkinson, although if I am to be honest, I don't think that the likelihood of us getting him again, and especially on a permanent deal, is very high.

“The only reason why Bristol City gave Rob Atkinson to us in the first place was for him to get some game-time under his belt after being out of the game for such a long time due to his horrific injury.

“He was out for close two years, so from a Bristol City point of view, their only intention was that Rob Atkinson could come to us and hopefully build up some match sharpness and fitness again, which he has done, for the most part.

“He got injured with us again, and his first game back was against Derby. But he's a quality player.

“He really is, and he makes us look a much better side.

“There's no argument about how good of a player he is.

“I just don't think the likelihood of us seeing him again is very high.”

Play-off promotion for Bristol City could allow Portsmouth a better chance to sign Rob Atkinson

Clearly a fan of the defender, Miltos offered a few scenarios where Bristol City might allow Atkinson to depart Ashton Gate permanently.

With four games remaining in the Championship season, the Robins sit fifth, which would see them compete in the play-offs at this current moment in time.

If Bristol do make it into the promotion knock-out, Miltos will be cheering them on all the way – as he believes promotion for the Robins might boost Pompey’s chances of signing Atkinson.

Pompey's Greek fanatic explained: “Bristol City are fifth in the Championship - if they somehow manage to sneak into the play-offs, I will be rooting for them.

“Because say that they get promoted to the Premier League somehow, then they may be tempted to potentially sell Rob Atkinson, so they can generate a bit more money and prepare themselves better for the Premier League.

“Now even if they stay in the Championship, obviously Rob Atkinson wasn’t a part of their defence this season that has got them to where they are in the league table.

“But I still don't think that us getting him is very likely. The price, again, is really hard to assume.

“A player that has just come back from a long-term injury, but he’s started playing again, but a lad who is still only 26 years old and his quality couldn't be more discernible.

“So I would assume we're talking in seven-figure mark - more than £2million, £2.5million, £3million - it's really, really hard to call out a price for him, but I don't think that we stand much of a chance of getting him regardless.

“I would be buzzing if we got him again and I think we should be all-in after him, but the reality is I don't think that's very realistic - but we'll see."