Portsmouth are reportedly considering a move for former Manchester City winger Jayden Braaf on a free transfer as they prepare for the summer rebuild following a crucial run of results that has almost guaranteed their Championship survival.
Pompey boosted their chances of staying in the division with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Leicester City on Saturday. That result not only moved Portsmouth closer to safety but also pushed Leicester nearer to relegation to League One. John Mousinho’s side have timed their resurgence perfectly, winning three consecutive matches. Victories away at Middlesbrough and at home against Ipswich Town and Leicester City, all achieved without conceding a goal, have demonstrated the resilience and determination expected from a side battling to avoid the drop.
With only three matches remaining, Portsmouth now appear to be on the verge of securing their place in the Championship for next season. Once survival is officially confirmed, Mousinho is expected to turn his full attention to strengthening the squad during the summer transfer window. The club will be eager to improve key areas so they are not dragged into another relegation fight next season.
One player now linked with a move to Fratton Park is Dutch winger Jayden Braaf. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Portsmouth are among a number of European clubs interested in signing the 23-year-old, who is currently a free agent.
Braaf has been without a club for nearly a year after mutually terminating his contract with Hellas Verona in September 2025. His last competitive spell came in Italy’s second division with Salernitana. Once considered one of Europe’s brightest young prospects, Braaf came through Manchester City’s youth academy but never made a senior appearance for the club.
In 2022, he left City on a free transfer to join Borussia Dortmund, following a similar route taken by players such as Jadon Sancho. However, his time in Germany did not develop as hoped. Subsequent spells with Hellas Verona, Fortuna Sittard, and Salernitana have also failed to reignite his career, with the winger making only 32 senior appearances so far.
Now seeking a fresh start, Braaf is reportedly attracting interest from several clubs. Alongside Portsmouth, Dutch side ADO Den Haag and Spanish club Cadiz are also believed to be monitoring his situation. This means Pompey may face strong competition if they decide to pursue a deal.
For Mousinho, signing a player like Braaf could represent a low-risk but potentially high-reward opportunity. If the winger can rediscover the talent that once made him such a highly rated prospect, he could add pace, flair, and creativity to Portsmouth’s attack.
Portsmouth’s performances at Fratton Park were a major strength during their first season back in the Championship, but this year they have not been as dominant at home. As a result, their improved away form has been vital in pushing them toward safety.
With another season in the Championship now within reach, Portsmouth are expected to be ambitious in the transfer market. The club’s goal will be to establish themselves as a stronger and more stable second-tier side rather than merely fighting to survive again.
Braaf could become one of the first names linked with that new era, as Mousinho looks to reshape his squad and build momentum on the South Coast ahead of next season.
The scoreline in Portsmouth’s recent victory over Leicester City was Portsmouth 1-0 Leicester City.
