Portsmouth FC, Alex Robertson return claim made as key Cardiff City talks loom | OneFootball

Portsmouth could be set for a welcome return in midfield this window

Cardiff City midfielder Alex Robertson is open to a Portsmouth return.

The 22-year-old spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Fratton Park, playing 27 times as Pompey clinched the League One title.

Robertson joined the Bluebirds last summer from Manchester City but could be set to exit the club following their relegation to the third-tier.

Alex Robertson open to Portsmouth reunion this summer

After a year apart, the young midfielder could reunite with John Mousinho ahead of the 2025/26 Championship campaign.

According to The News, Robertson is set to discuss his Cardiff future with new manager Brian Barry-Murphy, with a return to Portsmouth a particularly appealing prospect for the 22-year-old.

The report states that a dozen second-tier clubs are keen on securing the Bluebirds’ midfielder this summer, alongside outfits across Europe and the MLS. Interestingly, it's stated that one of the three relegated Premier League sides - Southampton, Leicester City, Ipswich Town - are interested too, although it's not clear which. If it is Southampton, that would add significant spice to Pompey's pursuit.

It’s still unclear whether the deal would be a permanent one or in the form of a loan move.

Mousinho is determined to accelerate the club’s transfer business and wants to address their situation in the engine room.

Robertson still has three years remaining on his deal at Cardiff but would prefer to continue his development in the Championship next year.

The former Manchester City prospect proved to be a capable operator at second-tier level last term and would relish the opportunity to show what he can do in a more competitive outfit.

Returning to familiar surroundings in the shape of Fratton Park could prove tempting and a deal that would become increasingly realistic if Cardiff showed a willingness to commission a move.

Alex Robertson would be a solid addition for Portsmouth

When Robertson joined Cardiff last summer, Mousinho and Co. must have thought that their chances of securing the midfielder’s services for the future were gone.

However, following the Bluebirds’ relegation to League One, that possibility may be plausible once more.

Finishing 16th in the Championship saw Pompey exceed expectations last season, but they will need to make signings of significant quality if they want to push further up the table next term.

Robertson would certainly strengthen up Portsmouth’s midfield and, if they can strike a permanent deal, could be an asset to make a profit on in the future.