Portsmouth keen on 9-goal attacker following Blackpool spell

 

Attacker Karamoko Dembele of Brest has piqued the interest of Portsmouth, the Portsmouth News reports.

When Dembele first rose to prominence at Celtic, he appeared destined to become a global sensation, but he hasn’t yet been able to reach his full potential.

But under Neil Critchley, he was a tremendous asset for Blackpool in the 2023–2024 season, demonstrating his danger in several games and adding a goal in the season’s last match against Reading to highlight his importance at Bloomfield Road.

While Dembele has undoubtedly managed to put himself in the transfer window ahead of the summer transfer, and another move may be in the works, he will be just as disappointed as everyone to see the Seasiders miss out on a top-six spot.

Although the 21-year-old’s contract with the French team doesn’t end until the summer of 2026, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him leave after being loaned out. Currently, he is with Brest.

Furthermore, since he was born in London, it’s possible that he wants to move back to the UK, although it’s unclear if that will happen.

Prior to the summer, Portsmouth is already pursuing a large number of players.

Pompey needs to bolster their team in order to have the best chance of surviving in the Championship after getting promoted from League One.

They require an infusion of attacking quality to make up for the loss of Abu Kamara.

Pair Jadan Redmond and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi of Crystal Palace are both considered interesting; the former has been identified as a target.

But given how many teams he was connected to during the last summer window, Rak-Sakyi is probably going to draw a lot of interest this summer.

Although he may not have had the same impact at Selhurst Park this season due to an injury, he might be a very valuable asset at Fratton Park.

Dembele is also a target, but it’s unclear if they can work out a deal for him.

A Portsmouth move for Karamoko Dembele could suit all parties

Since Dembele doesn’t appear to be a vital member of the French team, Brest would prefer to have him off the payroll.

They might benefit especially from a permanent relocation since it would enable them to get a respectable price for his signature.

At Fratton Park, the player has the opportunity to play under an enthusiastic, youthful manager who is sure to improve and secure a respectable amount of playing time.

Pompey, meantime, could sign a dynamic player and profit from a loan or a permanent move.

Although they might not have to spend much to transfer loans, they might gain from having him on staff long-term and then selling him for a healthy profit later on.

Dembele might be the perfect goal-scoring and assist machine to have in the final third on the south coast since it would be tough to envisage Norwich City loaning out Kamara again unless they are promoted.

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