Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho believes youngster Alex Robertson will remain at Fratton Park for the remainder of the campaign, despite Manchester City having the ability to recall him in January.
The winter window can be quite a terrifying time for managers and clubs. If a player is performing well while out on loan at their club, the parent side host rights to take them back once the market opens, providing a recall clause was inserted in the player’s contract from the beginning.
In the case of Roberston, the European and English champions have maintained their ability to recall him in January but recognise that the youngster needs to get regular game-time, according to Pompey boss Mousinho.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of this weekend’s clash away at Northampton Town, Mousinho was asked about the 20-year-old’s future at the club [quotes via Football League World]:
“I think so. You never know for certain, because it’s something Manchester City control. I’d be surprised though if they saw him flourishing and wanted to change anything.
“In terms of his professional development he’s had one loan where things didn’t go particularly well and a second loan where things are going very, very well for him,” he continued.
“The more he progresses here, the better things will be for him. Alex is 20 with a long, long career ahead of him and this football he’s playing at the moment is only going to benefit him and Manchester City in the future.
“I think all parties recognise that. At the moment there’s certainly no sign to us that anything would change.”
The Australian has featured 16 times for Pompey this season in League One and has bagged one goal and two assists, having been in Portsmouth’s starting lineup for 77 percent of his appearances.
Writer’s View
This is good news for Portsmouth as Robertson is a key player under Mousinho. It also wouldn’t have made any sense for City to recall him given he wouldn’t get into Pep Guardiola’s side right now but has featured regularly at Fratton Park.
Hopefully, if Pompey are promoted to the Championship next term, the playmaker can agree a deal to return to the club on loan or even on a permanent basis.