Latest: Why Jesper Ceesay move works for Portsmouth as they eye midfielder
· Jordan Cross · 2026-08-07 · nguồn gốc
Latest: Why Jesper Ceesay move works for Portsmouth as they eye midfielder
The latest on Pompey’s interest in the Antalyaspor and his eligibility to play in the Championship.
Jesper Ceesay remains in Pompey sights.
The News understands the Gambian midfielder is on course to arrive at Fratton Park, as the Blues continue their summer transfer push.
GBE status for Pompey target as Ceesay remains in their sights
And the reported €1m deal is one which will work for the club, regarding the conditions they are working to for signing overseas players.
Pompey have landed six players so far this summer, with Mousinho telling The News last weekend he’s looking to bring in another half a dozen additions.
He also confirmed yesterday that the midfield department remains an area of focus, after landing Rocco Shein in a multi-million pound deal along with free agent Odin Bailey.
Ceesay fits the bill with the suggestion an initial €500,000 will be paid to Turkish side Antalyaspor, with a further €300,000 paid in installments and a 15 per cent sell-on clause.
Crucially, the 24-year-old is eligible for a full Governing Body Endorsement (GBE), allowing him to gain a visa and play in England under Home Office and FA rules.
Mousinho yesterday told The News how rule changes over relaxed Elite Significant Contribution (ESC) allowances is hurting the club’s push for players this summer, with players over the age of 23 no longer eligible.
Ceesay’s regular minutes in Turkey earn the points required to carry him over the 15-point threshold to earn a GBE, however.
Furthermore, Pompey currently have no ESC spots open in any event - with those taken up by Mark Kosznovszky, Madiodio Dia, Luke Le Roux and Rocco Shein.
There is the possibility of transitioning ESC players to full GBE status once they qualify, while Le Roux would free up a space in the event of a permanent exit.
Mousinho has highlighted how the Pompey midfield department Ceesay operates in requires further surgery this summer.
He told The News: ‘We’re definitely looking at additions in midfield.‘It will most likely be there (number six position).
'If you look at where we’ve been over the past couple of seasons, we’ve had Pottsy (Freddie Potts) in there with Isaac Hayden towards the back end of the first Championship season.
‘Last year we had Doz (Dozzell), Luke (Le Roux) and Marlon (Pack). With Marlon out at the moment and Doz leaving we do feel that we are short there.’