Portsmouth are in talks with Chelsea over a loan deal for teenage winger Ryan Kavuma-McQueen.
Portsmouth are out to bolster their attacking ranks for the 2026/27 campaign as they look to avoid another Championship relegation fight. Now, it is reported by the Evening Standard that Pompey have eyes on Chelsea talent Ryan Kavuma-McQueen.
The South Coast side are eager to sign the 17-year-old on a season-long loan, and talks are ongoing over a deal. Chelsea, understandably, are keen to agree game time guarantees in negotiations.
Kavuma-McQueen has played just once for the first-team at Stamford Bridge but is among their top-rated prospects. A first senior loan would mark a notable step in the winger’s development.
At only 17, Kavuma-McQueen is a talent that Portsmouth fans need to be patient with. At his age and with very limited senior experience under his belt, he will likely require time to settle into proceedings – both at Fratton Park and in Championship football in general.
However, there is no doubting that the winger has got serious potential. Capable of operating on either flank and occasionally in an attacking midfield role, Chelsea ace Kavuma-McQueen has a good end product for a player of his age.
Ryan Kavuma McQueen’s Chelsea academy stats
Age GroupGamesGoalsAssistsU21s2594U18s23133UEFA U19s421
He is at his best on the right where he can cut inside and shoot, but has the ability to go on the outside and use his weak foot too. Kavuma-McQueen has the physical profile and technical ability to become a real talent in the years to come, but game time will be key.
Having already played plenty of academy football, the Pompey target makes the move to the Championship at a young age. However, it will be hoped he can positively impact John Mousinho‘s side, be it as a starter or off the bench.
The Verdict: Portsmouth attackers must deliver after nervy 2025/26 season
For the second season in a row, Portsmouth spent much of last term fighting relegation. A really strong end to the campaign saw them end in 18th and eight points above the drop, but it was far from a certainty that they would survive for much of the year.
Throughout the year, goals were a problem. Not only did the strikers struggle to find form, but there was a lack of creativity in their play for large chunks of the season too.
The onus is on them to improve in this area, and summer recruitment shows Pompey are determined to do so. Marko Milovanovic has joined as the new statement striker signing, while Eoin Kenny is another one to watch.
Additions to the supporting cash such as Odin Bailey, Luke Brooke-Smith and potentially Kavuma-McQueen will likely be followed by more as Mousinho looks for both firepower and creativity in attack.
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