Portsmouth Squad For Sale: Who’s Worth a Gamble?

Just when you thought things couldn’t get any worse for Pompey fans, the club’s administrator, Andrew Andronikou, has taken the unprecedented move of announcing to Soccernet that the entire Portsmouth squad is up for sale. Following an agreement with the Premier League to sell before the end of the season, the departed will be replaced over the summer by free transfers. That means that next season Pompey fans will not only be unfamiliar with the opposition but they’ll also not recognize their own side.

Now… in order for Mr. Andronikou‘s fire sale to come true, players need to leave. So who’s worth a gamble?

Let’s remember that we’re talking about a side rock bottom of the Premiership. Granted, Portsmouth were recently docked 9 points for going into administration, but despite the points penalty they would still be bottom. How many sellable assets could they possibly have?

Papa Bouba Diop – The physically imposing Senegalese midfielder is most well-known for scoring the first goal of the 2002 World Cup against defending champions France. With Diop being under contract until 2011, Portsmouth will be desperate to offload his massive salary – but how many clubs are willing to splash out for a legless 32-year-old?

John Utaka – Utaka joined Portsmouth from Stade Rennais in July 2007. Since the club shelled out £7 million for him, the Nigerian striker’s record of 6 goals in 59 appearances says it all. But at 28 years old and with 35 international caps to his name, a good showing at this summer’s World Cup could realistically earn Pompey back half of what they wasted in the first place.

Kevin-Prince Boateng – He’s a recent addition to the squad, having signed a three-year deal from Tottenham Hotspur only last August. But Boateng‘s star has risen quickly at Fratton Park with the former German U-21 international performing heroics in Pompey‘s midfield. Unfortunately, Boateng‘s ankle injury and public attack on the Portsmouth medical team see him odds on for the boot.

Nadir Belhadj – Portsmouth‘s only real sellable asset. The talented left back, who can also play as a winger, has become a fan favourite at Fratton Park after a series of tenacious performances this season. The good news for Mr. Andronikou is that Belhadj is contracted to the club until 2013 – which means he can expect a good return for the Algerian.

Nadir Belhadj is the pick of a not so great bunch

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