Portsmouth have stepped up interest in St Johnstone striker Makenzie Kirk, with the Championship club weighing a six-figure move before the deadline.
The 21-year-old, formerly of Hearts, is viewed as a young, mobile finisher to add depth to John Mousinho’s attacking group, with reports suggesting any successful bid may need to top £500,000 to land him, as first indicated locally via The News.
Peterborough United have already tested the water and remain keen, while interest from elsewhere in England and Scotland keeps the market warm.
Pompey’s Pitch and the Fee Picture
Portsmouth’s move for Kirk is in keeping with their model of adding high-potential forwards to complement established options. The financials are likely to be structured, with add-ons and a sell-on clause expected if St Johnstone sanction a sale.
Local coverage in Scotland has framed the chase as moving beyond the £500,000 mark, which would represent strong Championship-level investment in a player with resale value. The Blues will weigh that outlay against the immediate impact Kirk could make from the bench and in rotation.
St Johnstone’s Stance
Manager Simo Valakari has been clear that the Perth club are not under pressure to sell and that an initial approach elsewhere was rejected. His public position underlines why any buyer will need to meet both valuation and timing needs.
“The club rejected an approach for Makenzie. It is normal football business. Makenzie is a good player who is young and who scores goals. We knew there would be interest in him this summer and rightly so. Nothing has changed. He is our player and he is working hard so we will see what happens. We are not desperate to sell. Scoring goals is the hardest job in football. It is a good sign for our club to have other clubs interested in our players.”
Fit at Fratton Park
Kirk’s profile suits Portsmouth’s front line. He is comfortable running channels, pressing from the front and attacking crosses, which aligns with how Mousinho’s side create chances. In the short term he would compete for minutes rather than displace senior starters, while cup ties and late-game scenarios could offer early opportunities. With Peterborough and others still at the table, clarity on role, development plan and price will decide where the forward lands.
Writer’s View
Leading with the Portsmouth angle makes sense because the fit is logical and the fee, while significant, matches the club’s approach to buying upside. The decision point is value, not talent. If the total package edges well beyond £500,000, the Blues must be convinced Kirk can contribute this season as well as grow into a saleable asset.
St Johnstone’s stance is firm, which strengthens their hand, but if Pompey articulate a clear pathway and meet the number, this is the type of targeted forward buy that can pay off over a Championship campaign.
