Portsmouth FC plotting move to sign ex-Stoke City player | OneFootball

A back-up option between the sticks is being eyed by the south coast side.

Portsmouth have picked out Josef Bursik as a potential goalkeeper transfer option amid interest in current number two Jordan Archer.

John Mousinho's side have previously set out their desire to have a well-stocked goalkeeping department heading into the 2025/26 campaign.

A quartet of shot-stoppers is the ideal number for them. They're just shy of that mark as things stand, with Nicholas Schmid, Ben Killip and Archer available, but that figure may be reduced if their Scottish option heads elsewhere.

It was reported by The News that Archer has interest from League Two side Salford City. It would mean dropping down two levels for the former Tottenham Hotspur player, but chances may be limited for him at Fratton Park with Schmid and Killip both ahead of the 32-year-old in the pecking order.

Portsmouth eye former Stoke City goalkeeper as replacement option

If he were to move on to Salford, Portsmouth would look to bring in a replacement option. According to The News, Bursik is one of the players that they have on their list.

The 25-year-old ex-Stoke City glovesman is currently applying his trade over in Belgium with Club Brugge. He joined the European outfit, who were managed by Scott Parker at the time, in January 2023 for an undisclosed fee.

Like Archer, Bursik's gametime has been limited over recent seasons, both while playing in the Belgian Pro League and during his season-long loan spell with Hibernian last time out. He has a good amount of experience at Pompey's level from his time with the Potters - an appealing factor for any potential back-up, which is what he'd likely be.

Portsmouth have also had another ex-Spurs shot-stopper with them for pre-season. Alfie Whiteman featured for half of the behind-closed-doors friendly against Crawley Town at the weekend. He would boost Mousinho's number of choices between the sticks to four, depending on if Archer leaves and then if someone like Bursik were to come in as his replacement.

Problems arise with Portsmouth, Josef Bursik deal

It may not be that easy to convince the Englishman that a return to his home nation would be best for him, purely because he'd be at the lower end of the depth chart.

A lack of minutes has been his problem pretty much since he crossed the channel and moved to Belgium. It'd likely be a similar tale if he made the move back to the British Isles.

Pompey would also have to fork out some form of fee for Bursik, if they wanted to sign him permanently. He still has just short of two years left on his deal with Brugge. Alternatively, they could either negotiate a loan deal with the Champions League side, or even a mutual termination of his agreement, with Portsmouth then bestowed with the responsibility of his wages.

It's not the smoothest of deals for them to attempt this summer, and one that, thankfully, wouldn't be necessary unless Salford seal a deal for Archer.