Exclusive: Portsmouth agree deal to sign Hayden Matthews

Transfer Correspondent AUTHORITY Former Sky Sports and ESPN FC correspondent who specialises in global recruitment, contract negotiations, and high-velocity transfer breaking news. FOCUS Exclusive reporting, domestic and international transfer markets, and elite-level insights. THE INSIGHT Pete utilises a Global Network of Industry Sources to deliver verified, first-to-market reporting. His “Deep-Lens” analysis connects the dots between boardroom strategy and pitch-level recruitment, providing a level of transfer clarity that goes beyond surface-level rumours.

Published on:

19 Jan 2025, 8:36 am

Portsmouth have agreed a deal for Australian centre-back Hayden Matthews from Sydney FC, sources have told Football Insider.

The 20-year-old has been a long-term target for Portsmouth, with the Fratton Park outfit seeing several bids for the player rejected in the summer transfer window.

Portsmouth have rekindled their interest in Matthews and they have now agreed on a fee of £1.27million which is a record for a defender in the A-League.

Football Insider revealed that Portsmouth’s previous bid for the defender was £900,000 during the summer window, with the Championship side having stepped up their offer to eventually agree a deal.

The Australia international has been a key figure in the Sydney FC team this season, having only missed two A-League fixtures so far.

Matthews has featured 18 times in all competitions but has no experience playing in England.

Portsmouth want to strengthen defensively

John Mousinho is looking to strengthen his defensive options in the January transfer window to give his squad the best chance of survival in the Championship.

Portsmouth have struggled at the back throughout this season, with only bottom-of-the-league Plymouth Argyle having conceded more goals than them so far.

Pompey have conceded 45 goals in 26 games which has contributed to their 12 defeats, with this being an area the club will hope Matthews can improve.

Portsmouth currently find themselves in a relegation battle in the Championship, with the club sitting 22nd in the table.

Mousinho's side will be back in action on Wednesday (22 January) as they host Stoke City.

In other news, Exclusive: Portsmouth agree Thomas Waddingham deal – medical tomorrow.

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