Wycombe Wanderers are being linked with a summer move for Portsmouth striker Kusini Yengi, who is set to become a free agent at the end of June.
The 26-year-old Australian international will leave Pompey after a mixed spell on the South Coast. Having arrived from Western Sydney Wanderers in July 2023, Yengi made a bright start in English football, scoring 14 goals in his debut season. That campaign culminated in Portsmouth lifting the League One title and ending a 12-year absence from the Championship.
However, Yengi endured a frustrating 2024/25 season plagued by injury. He managed just 14 appearances across all competitions and failed to find the net domestically. His only goals in the campaign came on international duty for the Socceroos, scoring twice in a 2-2 draw with Bahrain in a World Cup qualifier last November.
Fratton Park Struggles
Despite his struggles, Yengi’s ability was clear during his early months at Fratton Park, and his experience as both a physical presence up front and an international striker could prove attractive to clubs looking to strengthen their attacking options.
Wycombe are expected to be busy this summer after confirming 15 player departures. Among them are senior figures such as Sam Vokes, Brandon Hanlan, and Beryly Lubala – all of whom featured prominently in recent campaigns. Their exits have created a significant void in the forward line that new head coach Matt Bloomfield will be keen to address ahead of pre-season.
With five loanees also returning to their parent clubs, the Chairboys are left with a drastically reduced squad. It is no surprise that Yengi has emerged as a possible target, especially with the added incentive of securing a proven striker on a free transfer.
Across his time at Portsmouth, Yengi featured 45 times and scored 14 goals. While his second season failed to match the promise of his first, the attributes he offers – height, mobility, and international pedigree – make him a compelling option for any League One side looking to rebuild.
Writer’s View
This is exactly the sort of signing Wycombe Wanderers should be exploring. Kusini Yengi’s availability on a free aligns with the club’s recruitment strategy, particularly in a summer where a major squad overhaul is taking place. His proven goalscoring form in 2023/24, combined with his international experience, makes him an exciting prospect if he can stay fit.
While the injury-hit campaign just gone is a concern, the Chairboys could view this as a low-risk, high-reward opportunity. With several forwards moving on, Yengi could bring a fresh dynamic to Bloomfield’s side as they aim to push back into the League One promotion picture.
