John Mousinho has warned midfielder Jay Mingi that a decision must be made soon over Portsmouth’s contract offer, according to The News (Portsmouth).
The 22-year-old was offered a three-year deal by Pompey in December, with the midfielder yet to give his answer, Mousinho has imposed a time frame.
The players reluctance to extend his stay could lead some to specilate that others teams are circling for his services; Birmingham City, Blackburn, West Brom and Charlton Atheltic are just some teams who have been linked to the midfielder.
Why Do Portsmouth Want To Keep Hold Of Him
The central midfielder has made an impact on the first team so far, whilst producing consistent performances across all competitions, amounting six league starts.
The length of the deal reflects that the player is a part of Mousinho’s plan at Fratton Park, despite not playing since the manager arrived in January due to injury.
Although Mousinho has been unable to monitor Mingi within his own system, he is eager to work with him.
The contract was put onto the table before the player suffered his knee injury, however Mingi impressed the Hampshire outfit across his 17 league appearances this season.
What Does He Bring To The Team?
Mingi brings a different style to the Pompey engine room, the West Ham academy product was a breath of fresh air to an experienced midfield four.
A tenacious outlook with curiosity to push forward, Mingi will enhance the midfield if he can avoid injuries this upcoming season.
The player has displayed his ability to help out offensively, providing an assist and scoring himself before injury ruled him out for the season.
Following the announcement of their retained list, Pompey are losing Louis Thompson and Ryan Tunnicliffe, the midfield duo are not receiving contract extensions this summer – meaning all eyes are on Mingi’s situation.
Manager’s Take
Speaking to The News, John Mousinho hinted that players cannot dwell on contract offers forever and what the club will do if players decide to pull the curtains over their spell at Fratton Park.
“It won’t be indefinite by any means, we can’t keep a contract open forever because we need to know what our squad looks like for pre-season.
“With the two players we’ve offered contracts to, there has to be a point where they accept or otherwise – and that’s part of football.
“If they don’t then we have to move on and look at filling those spots.
“We won’t be withdrawing Jay’s contract, it will be on the table until the deadline is set and, at that point, if we can’t agree on everything, we’ll shake on it. That’s absolutely fine, no problem.
“At the moment, those contract offers are on the table – and if they want to sign them then great.”
Writers View
Portsmouth have been in League One since their promotion in 2017, they are more than settled in the division and are capable of securing a Play-off spot with ease.
Keeping Mingi would be a huge benefit, he not only broadens the midfield dimension but offers offensive qualities too.
Mousinho’s comments hint that external interest is present, A young player with EFL experience will be held in high regard by many clubs, especially with Championship sides monitoring the situation.
Someone has got to him although he has been treated with honesty and respect for all the time he has been with, The boy needs to grow a pair and start repaying all the respect and fairness that POMPEY have shown him since he arrived under very dubious circumstances, threatening court action if we did not sign him and then being injured for 99% of the time.