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For Portsmouth football club, this window has proven one of the better in recent years.
Following his permanent arrival in the summer, manager Danny Cowley started a rebuild of playing options – bringing 15 players to the club.
It is worth noting 12 of the 15 joined from teams in either the Championship or Premier League. This pattern has continued into January, with the loan arrivals of Hayden Carter from Blackburn Rovers and Tyler Walker from Coventry City.
This month, however, the Cowley brothers have made concerted efforts to shift peripheral figures of the squad, some of which they were unable to in the summer.
Both Ellis Harrison and John Marquis have joined fellow League One clubs for undisclosed fees, while defender Paul Downing, who never really settled on the south coast, moved to Rochdale for the remainder of the season.
Young loanees Gassan Ahadme and Miguel Azeez had their spells cut short by parent clubs Norwich and Arsenal, with the pair unable to nail down a starting spot under Cowley.
Pertinently, 80% of Cowley’s signings have come from leagues above. Therefore, there is ample reason to suggest Blues fans need to acquire a deal of patience and buy-in with the process, heading into the final stages of the window. With outgoings boosting the transfer kitty, you would like to think incomings are just around the corner.
Streamlining positions that need strengthening, here are some of the players Pompey should be looking to sign:
Josh Ruffels – Huddersfield Town
Cowley has recently admitted that a left (wing) back is an area he would like to add to before the window closes. With Lee Brown and Reeco Hackett his current options, there is certainly scope for improvement.
Following his departure from Oxford last summer for Championship side Huddersfield, Josh Ruffels has found it difficult to adjust to life in the second tier, making just four appearances all season.
The 28-year-old became a fan favourite with the Yellows during his eight years at the club and in his final season, Ruffels bagged seven goals and six assists in all competitions, earning a move up the football ladder in the process.
But with Harry Toffolo first-choice for the Terriers, the left-wing-back may be looking for a fresh challenge in the second half of the campaign.
Joe Tomlinson – Peterborough United
Tomlinson transferred to the Posh in the summer from National League side Eastleigh for an undisclosed fee. The left-back scored 12 league goals for the Spitfires last season, which naturally attracted Football League interest.
Goals and chance creation has been a problem for Pompey so far this season, especially through the use of their wing-backs. Subsequently, an archetypal, modern-day full-back akin to Tomlinson, may provide a different slant of attack for Cowley.
Playing opportunities have been limited so far this season for the 21-year-old, so a loan switch may not be out of the question.
Ben Thompson – Millwall
Ben Thompson is someone Pompey fans haven’t been able to forget about following his loan from Millwall back in 2018. The midfielder was mightily impressive during his spell on the south coast.
With the additions of Sean Williams, Joe Morrell, Louis Thompson and Ryan Tunnicliffe, central midfield options have significantly improved this campaign. However, with the 3-5-2 formation in situ for the majority of the season, there seems to be an absence of incision in the middle.
However, Thompson’s consistency in the Millwall set-up has diminished in recent times. This season, the 26-year-old has made just five appearances for the Lions, which leaves a question mark encompassing his future at the London club. Manager Gary Rowett has openly said Thompson could leave this month, adding fuel to the fire.
Jack Payne – Swindon Town
After his move to Swindon Town in the summer of 2020, Jack Payne has racked up a reasonable number of goal involvements during his time at the County Ground. The 27-year-old, who can play in an advanced midfield role or as a second striker, has bagged eight league goals already this term.
The tricky playmaker has League One experience under his belt having had spells with promotion-winning Blackburn Rovers back in 2018, and more recently Lincoln and Swindon.
Scoring goals has been the main issue this season for Pompey, having netted just 29 times in 25 league games. Although the signing of Walker will bolster their striking options, chance creation still needs work.
Despite having the likes of Michael Jacobs, Ronan Curtis and Marcus Harness, carving out clear cut goal scoring opportunities have been sporadic. Adding a touch of guile is likely to be beneficial in aiding the end of season run-in
Payne has just six months remaining on his current deal with Swindon, so if the Blues were to put in a reasonable offer for the attacking midfielder, it may give them food for thought.
Ellis Simms – Everton
Everton youngster Ellis Simms adapted to his League One surroundings very well upon his loan switch to Blackpool back in January 2021.
The 21-year-old made a big impact for the Tangerines and they are unsurprisingly interested in taking him back again this window for the remainder of the campaign.
Simms scored 10 goals in 24 appearances for the Seasiders, including a brace against Oxford United in the League One play-off semi-final first leg helping fire them to promotion.
Pace, power, and a deadly eye for goal, his strengths would likely dovetail well with Walker.
If it comes down to playing time, the Blues may hold an advantage in stealing Simms on loan. However, if Championship outfit Blackpool can offer similar, this deal may prove difficult to complete.
Freddie Ladapo – Rotherham United
Freddie Ladapo is a player who stole recent headlines, having put in a transfer request at his club Rotherham United.
The 28-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer, maybe holding out for a Championship move after continual success in the third tier.
An outstanding season at Plymouth back in the 2018/19 season, where he scored 18 league goals, saw the Millers prize him away from Home Park. Its been a worthwhile signing, scoring 36 goals in his two and a half seasons with the club.
But now with the striker searching for a new challenge, this could be the time for Pompey to pounce. Supporters have been eagerly anticipating a goalscorer to walk through the doors at Fratton Park for years. And ultimately, you feel this could be the difference in whether Portsmouth can get into the top six.
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