Portsmouth‘s desire to bring back former loan star Alex Robertson have taken a blow after Cardiff City entered the race for the Australian.
Robertson was an integral part of the squad that won the League One title last season, but an injury to his hamstring saw him sidelined for the second half of the season. He had made 27 appearances for Pompey at that point, scoring once against Burton Albion and providing four assists.
Despite his setback, John Mousinho has expressed his desire for the 21-year-old to return to Fratton Park this season, but are now facing a battle from Cardiff City to secure his services. The Man City youngster has entered the final year of his contract with the Premier League champions.
Reports from Wales Online state that Erol Bulut’s side have named Robertson on a three-man shortlist this summer as The Bluebirds target a number eight to bolster their lineup. The two other players have not been named.
Disagreements between Cardiff and The Citizens come in the form of whether the move would be permanent or a loan. Pep Guardiola’s side are reportedly interested in extending the former Ross County midfielder’s deal at the Etihad in which case a loan move would be offered instead.
The Portsmouth News confirmed that the club have been ‘in regular contact’ with City over the future of the Dundee-born player and if he would be available for a second season on the South Coast.
Pompey Sporting Director Rich Hughes has previously commented to the paper about the situation over Robertson, saying: “Robbo is a conversation we’ve been having all the way through with Manchester City.
“First and foremost, we have to completely respect he’s their player, he’s going into the last year of his contract, so there are a few different scenarios in play.
“Probably the thing which has slowed it down is he has been rehabbing from his injury, so is probably going to be a little behind in pre-season. He has to make sure he is right physically.
“Then the conversations will be had with Manchester City in terms of his future pathway – whether that be at Manchester City or another location.
“I very much know that Robbo enjoyed his time at the football club and we very much enjoyed having Robbo, which is a very good starting point.
“But it’s still very early in the window, so it’s difficult to really have a definitive answer on it.”
Neither Portsmouth or Cardiff have made midfield signings this window, with the Bluebirds securing Aston Villa defender Calum Chambers and Chris Willock from Queens Park Rangers.
Writer’s View
Alex Robertson was a real quality player for Portsmouth last season, and it was a real shame when his season was cut short by the tear to his hamstring. Both he and the staff at Pompey seem really keen to reunite next season, but it is ultimately up to Manchester City to see what happens over the coming months. Plenty of the Premier League side’s stars will be missing due to playing in the Euros this summer, giving younger talent like Robertson opportunities to prove themselves to the coaching staff.
Cardiff City are an interesting prospect to look at this summer. Calum Chambers is certainly of a top-flight quality and securing Chris Willock on a free is a good deal. Adding a talented young midfielder into that side could see them fully in the play-off fight. His progression with the ball was a big part of Pompey’s early season form and his ability to do defensive work alongside players like Marlon Pack saw them go unbeaten for the first few months of the season. Ultimately it would look like if it was up to the player, a return to Fratton Park would be the likely choice.
