Portsmouth goalkeeper Will Norris has turned down a move to League One side Barnsley, despite Pompey accepting an offer for the shot-stopper.
The 31-year-old, who played a crucial role in Portsmouth’s League One title-winning campaign last season, has fallen down the pecking order this term and is now third-choice behind Nicolas Schmid and Jordan Archer.
With 18 months left on his contract, Portsmouth were open to offloading Norris in the January transfer window. BBC Radio Sheffield’s Andy Giddings reported that Barnsley had submitted a bid, which was accepted by Pompey.
Hearing Barnsley FC agreed a deal to sign Portsmouth goalkeeper Will Norris, but the player rejected the move.#barnsleyfc | @footballheaven
— Andy Giddings (@SportGids1) January 29, 2025
Norris Opts to Stay on the South Coast
Despite the chance for more first-team football elsewhere, Norris has opted to remain at Fratton Park rather than making the switch to Oakwell.
His lack of game time this season has been evident, with the former Burnley and Wolves goalkeeper making just one squad appearance since being dropped following Portsmouth’s defeat to Stoke City in October.
His only recent squad inclusion came as an unused substitute in Pompey’s clash with Blackburn, a decision influenced by an injury to Archer.
What Next for Norris?
Norris was instrumental in Portsmouth’s promotion to the Championship last season, keeping 19 clean sheets and earning a place in both the PFA and EFL League One Team of the Year. However, his current situation suggests he is unlikely to reclaim the number one spot.
Meanwhile, Pompey’s goalkeeper department remains well-stocked, with Toby Steward returning from a loan spell at Wealdstone, further limiting Norris’ chances of breaking back into the squad.
With Portsmouth seemingly content to move on from their title-winning keeper, Norris’ future remains uncertain as the January window nears its end.
Writer’s View
Norris’ decision to reject a move to Barnsley is a surprising one, given his limited prospects at Portsmouth. While he was a key figure in their promotion campaign, his current role as third-choice leaves him with little chance of regular action. Perhaps he is holding out for a better move before the transfer window shuts, or he remains confident of forcing his way back into John Mousinho’s plans. Either way, staying at Fratton Park does not seem the most promising option for his career at this stage.
