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Portsmouth newcomer on why he snubbed Italy, Spain and America for Fratton Park transfer The talented winger made his New Zealand debut in September 2025 at the age of 17 A summer coveted by clubs in Italy, Spain and the United States, yet Luke Brooke-Smith is adamant his mind was made up as soon as Pompey entered the chase. However, it was Fratton Park which overwhelmingly became his preferred destination following successful talks with sporting director Rich Hughes and John Mousinho. With the opportunity for regular first-team football rather than being shunted into a development group or under-21s side, Brooke-Smith swiftly had his heart set on Pompey. And with a number of family members already living in England, including his paternal grandparents in London, it represented a comfortable decision for the promising winger. ‘That was it for me, no other club was on the radar’ He told The News: ‘To be fair, Pompey was the club that I wanted. I had heard there was other interest, but I didn’t really speak to other clubs. ‘It was one of the first clubs I spoke to and - as soon as I had a call with them - I wanted to go there, so I didn’t speak to any others. If it hadn't gone through then who knows what would have happened! ‘What I said to my parents at the time was there’s interest and there’s actually people who want to get you and buy you. Interest is all good, but, at this stage, if they don’t want to buy you and play you then it doesn’t matter. ‘There was interest throughout Europe, but I don’t actually know too much. My agent told me a couple and Pompey was one of them. ‘As soon as I spoke to them, that was it for me, no other club was on the radar.’ Brooke-Smith was handed an instant Pompey start in last weekend’s trip to West Ham on the opening day of the 2026-27 season. Named on the left wing for the Carabao Cup clash, the teenager played 52 minutes before being replaced by Thomas Waddingham in the 3-1 defeat. It represented a tough baptism in front of a 53,369 crowd at the London Stadium, yet Brooke-Smith impressed the travelling faithful. And he’s relishing more first-team action, after accruing 34 appearances with Wellington Phoenix before his summer departure. ‘I still need to play men’s football’ He added: ‘I liked the manager's plans for me at Pompey and also the team. Where they want to be in four years and where they see me in four years. ‘For me coming over as a young player, a lot of people may think you’re going to go into the under-21s, but Pompey don’t have an under-21s. I actually still need to play men’s football, even though I’m still young. ‘Coming from two years of first-team experience, there’s no point dropping out. So that was the most important thing. The manager sees me playing and already he has given me the trust to start me at West Ham.’