Portsmouth F.C. winger Gustavo Caballero sets sights on the Premier League after electric start at Fratton Park
Gustavo Caballero may have only arrived on the south coast in January, but the Paraguayan winger has already made a powerful impression at Fratton Park.
The 24-year-old joined Pompey on loan from Brazilian giants Santos FC on transfer deadline day, and it hasn’t taken him long to win over the supporters. His brilliantly taken goal and lively all-round display in Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Millwall F.C. sparked excitement both inside the stadium and across social media, where fans have even begun debating which chant should be dedicated to their new Paraguayan star.
Just a few weeks ago, the most recognisable Paraguayan names among the Pompey faithful might have been former Blackburn Rovers F.C. striker Roque Santa Cruz or legendary goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert, famed for his spectacular free-kicks. Now, Caballero is rapidly carving out his own reputation in PO4.
Rapid adaptation to English football
Caballero’s seamless transition to the Championship has been one of the most impressive aspects of his early spell. Adjusting to the pace and physicality of English football is rarely straightforward, yet he appears to have embraced the challenge with confidence.
The winger credits much of his smooth adaptation to the warm welcome he has received from teammates, staff and supporters alike since arriving at Fratton Park. That sense of belonging has clearly helped him settle quickly — even if communication has proved more challenging.
Caballero has admitted he is still grappling with the language barrier and currently relies on a translator, as no members of the coaching staff speak Spanish. Despite that hurdle, his performances suggest football remains a universal language.
Option to buy — but bigger ambitions in mind
Portsmouth hold an option to make Caballero’s move permanent at the end of the season, a clause inserted into what initially appeared to be a surprise deal. Supporters will be hoping his bright start continues — and that his stay on the south coast extends beyond this campaign.
However, it is also clear the winger has long-term ambitions that stretch beyond the Championship.
Speaking to Paraguayan outlet ABC Deportes, part of ABC Color, Caballero made no secret of his ultimate goal: playing in the Premier League.
He described his current situation as being “one step away from the best league in the world,” underlining how he views his opportunity at Portsmouth as a crucial stepping stone.
Caballero explained that he is relishing the freedom and space he has found in English football, particularly on the right wing, where he has primarily featured under head coach John Mousinho. While he has been told he can operate on either flank, he believes the open spaces in the Championship suit his pace and direct style — a contrast to Brazil, where marking is often tighter and more intense.
Eyes firmly on the top flight
The Paraguayan forward was candid about his ambitions.
He stated that he wants to use this opportunity to secure a move to a Premier League side, emphasising that he has started strongly and hopes to maintain that level of performance.
Whether that dream materialises with Portsmouth remains to be seen. If the Blues can match his ambition and push toward the top tier themselves, Caballero could yet fulfil that goal on the south coast. If not, he is clearly determined to ensure his performances at Fratton Park open the door to England’s elite division elsewhere.
For now, though, Pompey supporters will simply be enjoying the impact of their new winger — a player who has gone from January arrival to Fratton favourite in a matter of weeks, with both the present and the future looking full of promise.
