Portsmouth are reportedly on the verge of signing Brisbane Roar striker Thomas Waddingham, beating competition from Queens Park Rangers and Sheffield Wednesday.
Waddingham, 21, has emerged as a standout talent in the A-League, attracting significant interest from English clubs. Over the weekend, Brisbane Roar manager Ruben Zadkovich revealed that a deal was in place for the striker’s transfer, describing it as “financially positive” for the Australian side. However, he refrained from naming the successful club, further fuelling speculation.
Waddingham, who is contracted to Brisbane until 2026, was notably left out of the squad for their latest match against Melbourne City. The decision has only heightened the sense that his departure is imminent, with Portsmouth tipped as favourites to secure his signature.
Waddingham’s Potential
The striker has made 40 appearances for Brisbane Roar, finding the back of the net 15 times. Known for his traditional number nine qualities, Waddingham’s physicality and presence in the box have drawn comparisons to old-school centre-forwards. Despite his young age, he has already shown flashes of becoming a reliable goal scorer and has plenty of room for development.
Zadkovich spoke highly of the player’s qualities, saying:
“He’s that old-school, proper number nine. He’s got so many areas he can improve and grow, and I think he’s a massive asset to the club. We know we have a fantastic young player, and we’ll keep working on developing him and bringing him to the top of the pile.”
Portsmouth manager John Mousinho, however, has remained tight-lipped about the situation, stating: “As long as those players are contracted to other clubs, there will be no comment on that.”
A Strategic Move for Pompey
Securing Waddingham would mark a significant coup for Portsmouth as they continue their push for promotion from League One. The club has been proactive in the transfer market this January, looking to add depth and firepower to their squad. With QPR and Sheffield Wednesday also in the mix for Waddingham, Pompey’s ability to outmanoeuvre their rivals signals their intent to make a strong statement in the second half of the season.
Writer’s View
Portsmouth’s pursuit of Thomas Waddingham demonstrates the club’s ambition. Adding a young, dynamic forward like Waddingham could provide a much-needed edge in their promotion bid. The striker has the potential to develop into a key player, and Pompey would benefit greatly if they can refine his raw talent. This move is a win-win for both the player and the club.
