Pompey Eye Palace Youngster as Left Wing Depth

Pompey Eye Palace Youngster as Left Wing Depth

Reports suggest that Portsmouth are close to signing Crystal Palace talent Franco Umeh on a season long loan deal, after the seasiders suffered some significant recent blows to their attacking lineup.

John Mousinho expects up to three new signings before the transfer deadline.

The club has agreed a deal for St Johnstone striker Makenzie Kirk and is considering a loan deal for Crystal Palace’s Franco Umeh. #Pompey Portsmouth News https://t.co/i4Jp2wNaTZ

— PompeyNewsNow🎙PO4cast (@PompeyNewsNow) August 31, 2025

Umeh’s potential arrival comes off the back of Matt Ritchie’s departure to Reading, and a serious injury to attacking midfielder Callum Lang which could sideline him for up to three months, forcing Portsmouth into the market out of necessity.

Who is Franco Umeh?

Just 20 years of age, Umeh is highly rated in the Crystal Palace youth set-up - able to play at left-wing back, left-mid and right wing, the Irish U19 has found the net 15 times in the last two seasons for the Eagles academy side, while also assisting seven.

#Pompey have been given a glowing reference over the winger. https://t.co/chNBq8hoPK

— Pompey Live (@pompeylive) August 28, 2025

Now, it seems a loan move is the most logical next step for his development, and Portsmouth could be an excellent match. Guaranteed minutes due to injuries and departures, his versatility adds an extra dimension to Pompey’s squad depth.

What is more impressive is that for the majority of Umeh’s games for Palace’s academy side, he was playing at left-wing back, away from his more natural position on the right-side of attack - with such excellent output from a relatively unfamiliar position, one does not need to stretch the imagination to predict how he will play in his natural role.

Portsmouth have made a solid start to their second successive Championship campaign, notching two wins, one draw and one defeat in the opening month, form that has been good enough to lift them to eighth.