Portsmouth have reportedly begun talks with veteran full-back Paul Dummett according to the Daily Mail’s Sami Mokbel.
The Welsh international was released by Newcastle United this summer after 11 years at St James’ Park. He ultimately racked up 213 appearances for the club he came through the academy of, scoring four times and was part of their 2017 Championship title-winning season under Rafa Benitez.
Pompey are seeking to remain in the second division after their League One triumph last season, ending a 12-year exodus from the Championship. They have already made a good start for their ambitions, remaining unbeaten with three draws from three games.
John Mousinho’s side are yet to reinforce their defence this season, with Ryley Towler and Conor Shaughnessy being the starting choices at centre-back. Both Sean Raggett and Joe Rafferty have moved on from Fratton Park, joining Rotherham United on free transfers.
Dummett has struggled in recent years to make regular appearances in The Magpies’ squad, featuring eight times in all competitions last year. The 32-year-old’s last and only 30+ game season was the Championship-winning season in 2016/17.
He last featured for the Cymru side in 2019, but is yet to officially retire from international football. He was not named in former Burnley assistant Craig Bellamy’s first squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League ties against Turkey and Montenegro, with Leeds United backup Karl Darlow making his first squad at 33 years old.
Writer’s View
Paul Dummett is a very experienced defender and will be a useful asset in John Mousinho’s side should he finalise a move to Portsmouth. He can play at left-back as well as centre-back, providing cover across the backline should anyone get injured this season. Whilst he has lacked regular game time across recent years, he still has some ability to offer before his retirement in the future.
Pompey should have enough to stay up this year and can push further up the table. Whilst they may have missed out on some of their stars from promotion, such as loanee Alex Robertson who has moved on to Cardiff City, they have signed some brilliant up-and-coming talent. Freddie Potts and Harvey Blair both join from Premier League sides, and Abdoulaye Kamara being signed from Borussia Dortmund. Combined with a lot of the spine that secured the third division title, they are surely to become a Championship staple in years to come.
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