Portsmouth goalkeeper Ben Killip has signed a new two-year contract at Fratton Park after impressing in the final weeks of the season.
The 29-year-old, who joined the League One champions from Barnsley in February, will now remain on the South Coast until 2027.
Killip Commits to Pompey After Strong Finish
Ben Killip was initially brought in on a short-term deal as cover but ended the campaign by starting Portsmouth’s final two league matches, doing enough to earn an extended stay. His performances provided head coach John Mousinho with reassurance that the former Hartlepool United keeper could be a valuable part of next season’s goalkeeping group.
“We’re delighted that Ben will be remaining at the club and our goalkeeping options look particularly strong,” said Mousinho.
“He complements the other guys we have here really well and that competition should bring out the best in all of them.
We saw what Ben was capable of in those two games at the end of last season and I’m looking forward to working with him once more when the players report back later this month.”
Killip began his youth career with Chelsea and Norwich City, before spells with Lowestoft Town, Grimsby Town and Braintree Town. He joined Hartlepool United in 2019, making 150 appearances across four seasons. He played a key role in their 2020–21 promotion campaign, though an elbow injury ruled him out of the decisive run-in.
The goalkeeper’s time in the Football League has featured both acclaim and criticism. His standout moment came in the EFL Trophy semi-final in March 2022, when he was named player of the round after a series of heroic saves against Rotherham United. But he also endured a tough patch during the 2022–23 season, with a high-profile error against Stevenage marking a difficult period.
After rejecting a new deal with Hartlepool, Killip moved to Barnsley in the summer of 2023. He made 36 appearances for the Tykes before heading to Portsmouth in the latter part of the 2024/25 season. His contract offer in May was followed by today’s official announcement of a two-year extension.
Writer’s View
This is a smart piece of business by Portsmouth. Ben Killip’s journey through the divisions has given him a depth of experience that can’t be taught, and his resilience through highs and lows makes him a valuable asset in a competitive squad.
He may not start every week with strong goalkeeping depth at the club, but his presence will push others and provide reliable cover when needed. It’s a low-risk move with proven upside as Pompey look to consolidate back in the Championship.
