Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Tue 23 December 2025 12:30, UK

Portsmouth winger Josh Murphy has sent a message to Nicolas Schmid after the goalkeeper agreed a new contract.

Leicester City attempted to sign Murphy in the summer, but the winger ultimately stayed at Fratton Park.

And importantly for Pompey, who sit only two points above the relegation zone after a disappointing first half of the season.

Portsmouth signed Yang Min-hyuk on loan from Tottenham, as well as making several other strong additions to their team in the summer.

Still, however, Portsmouth have been predicted to be relegated from the Championship this season and face an uphill battle to defy the drop.

Josh Murphy sends message to Nicolas Schmid

The last 10 days have seen somewhat of a resurgence for John Mousinho’s team.

Portsmouth beat Blackburn Rovers 2-1 at Fratton Park, with goals from Callum Lang and Ibane Bowat seeing the home side come from behind for a first win in four.

And on Saturday, Pompey earned an encouraging point away at Derby County, with Lang again finding himself on the score sheet.

In many ways, however, the star of the show came between the sticks in the Portsmouth goal.

Schmid made six saves to prevent a Derby winner, including a diving stop in the final moments to deny what looked a certain goal.

Last week, Portsmouth announced that the Austrian had signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract, keeping him at Fratton Park until 2029.

Murphy instantly reacted to the news on Instagram, and replied with a star-eyed emoji and a clapping emoji.

What John Mousinho said about ‘excellent’ Schmid says it all

Portsmouth signed Schmid from Austrian side Blau Weiss Linz last year, in a deal reportedly worth around £350,000.

The 28-year-old had spent his entire career in Austria up to that move, and was seen as a competitor for the number one spot, rather than a certain first choice.

But Schmid has impressed massively since his arrival, with his manager keen to sing his praises after the Derby draw.

‘I am naturally going to have a bias towards Nico,” Mousinho told the Portsmouth News. “There are some excellent keepers within the league – and he is definitely up there.

“I don’t want the headline to be we’ve got the best goalkeeper in the league, but I’ve always got a bias towards our players and I think he’s excellent.”

Portsmouth will next take on QPR at Fratton Park, as they look to build on their recent momentum.