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Huddersfield Town supremo on why latest signing Ibane Bowat fits a big 'profile' requirement HUDDERSFIELD Town sporting director Chris Markham believes that the club have added an important profile of player to their squad after signing Portsmouth centre-back Ibane Bowat. The left-sided defender has become Town's sixth arrival of the summer window, with the 23-year-old penning a three-year deal. Bowat, a 6ft 3in stopper, will provide physicality, pace and adaptability to the Terriers' backline, according to Markham. The London-born player made 18 appearances for Pompey last term. Despite being under contract until next summer, he was allowed to move on due to surfeit of defensive options at Fratton Park. Markham said: "Physically gifted, naturally left-sided defenders are a profile that aren't easy to come by and with the scope to grow and improve, he’s everything we want from a Huddersfield Town player both on and off the pitch. "In addition to his ability, the flexibility he provides us in defensive areas is key and we believe that we can help Ibane fulfil his potential over a number of years and think he’s the kind of player and personality Town fans will get behind." Head coach Martin Drury, whose side face Preston North End in the EFL Cup on Saturday to start the season, continued: "Ibane is a positive addition to our squad. "He’s a good age and has been at clubs with a reputation for developing talent. He will provide us with something different within our defensive options, has attributes that make us stronger from set plays and it was clear in every conversation about his desire to improve and further his own career." The former Fulham and Chelsea academy product, who briefly chanced his arm at rugby union with Harlequins in his teenage years, spent loan spells abroad with Dutch side Den Bosch and Austrian outfit TSV Hartberg ahead of moving to Pompey ahead of their second-tier return in 2024-25. On securing his move to Yorkshire, Bowat, who has been capped by Scotland up to under-21 level - his maternal grandfather is from Fife - added: "I’m so happy to have this move complete and to become a Huddersfield Town player. "After some really exciting conversations and a visit to see the training ground and stadium, I knew this was the right club to take the next step in my career with.”