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Tottenham Hotspur winger set for Coventry switch after reported Portsmouth exit

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The Spurs winger has scored three goals in 16 appearances for the Blues

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Spurs have reportedly recalled Minhyeok Yang from his Fratton Park loan spell.

And instead the winger is to join fellow Championship side Coventry for the remainder of the season.

That’s according to respected football transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano, who has today claimed the South Korea international has agreed on a loan switch to the Sky Blues.

Yang, who had previously been linked with a move to Real Madrid, has struggled to establish himself in John Mousinho’s side during a disappointing stay to date.

Although the 19-year-old arrived in August on a season-long loan, he has started just nine times in the Championship, with one of those coming since November 1.

Yang enjoyed an impressive three-game spell in October when he netted in successive matches against Watford and Middlesbrough, followed by an assist at Leicester City.

However, it wasn’t until two-and-a-half months later before his next meaningful contribution, with that 98th-minute winner against Charlton in the final game of 2025.

He wasn’t even used off the bench in the 5-0 New Year’s Day hammering at Bristol City - with Charlton now looking like his final outing for the Blues.

Overall, the Spurs teenager made 16 appearances and scored three times, with his better performances coming on the left wing in the absence of the injured Josh Murphy.

His potential departure would free up a loan slot for Pompey, with Conor Chaplin and Florian Bianchini the other two players on season-long temporary stays.

Portsmouth rivals plotting audacious January move for £47.5m Tottenham Hotspur star as Championship duo eye Leeds United raid

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Pompey rivals plot audacious January move for £47.5m Spurs star ahead of Fratton trip - portsmouth.co.uk
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The latest transfer headlines involving Pompey’s Championship rivals.

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Pompey earned a 1-1 draw against Derby County on Saturday afternoon to leave them two points above the relegation zone heading into Christmas.

The festive schedule is now firmly underway, with the Blues facing QPR on Boxing Day before welcoming Charlton Athletic to Fratton Park to round off 2025.

The transfer window is now just a matter of days away, with John Mousinho expecting new arrivals - and potential departures - in a vitally important market for their season.

Pompey sit just two points clear of the bottom three, while a four-point gap has opened up to 20th-placed Blackburn Rovers.

Although Christmas is upon us, transfer gossip and speculation is ramping up as clubs begin their preparations for January.

Here are the latest headlines involving the Blues’ Championship rivals.

Ipswich eyeing Brennan Johnson swoop

Ipswich Town are eyeing an audacious swoop for Tottenham Hotspur winger Brennan Johnson, according to reports.

The Tractor Boys are bidding for an instant return to the Premier League following their relegation last term and currently sit third in the standings going into Christmas.

Kieran McKenna’s men are looking to strengthen in the market, with the £47.5 man believed to be on their radar.

Football Insider have claimed Johnson is a top target at Portman Road next month, but face competition from Crystal Palace and Brentford for his signature.

The report suggests Spurs are weighing up whether to allow the 24-year-old to depart north London in the window after a frustrating start to the season.

The 42-cap Wales international has featured 21 times for Thomas Frank’s men, of which six have been from the start, which has also seen him net four goals to date.

Johnson, who made a £47.5 move from Nottingham Forest in 2023 has scored 27 goals and registered 18 assists in 106 outings in all competitions during his two-and-a-half-year stay at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Ipswich have been credited with an interest in the right winger, who could now be available on loan in the January window just months after scoring the winner in Spurs’ 1-0 triumph against Spurs to claim the Europa League in May.

The Tractor Boys make the trip to Fratton Park on January 4 to face Pompey to bring an end to the festive period.

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Championship sides chasing Leeds star

A host of Championship clubs are potentially planning a January swoop for Leeds United talent Harry Gray.

Transfer guru Alan Nixon has claimed a host of Championship clubs, including Derby County and Charlton Athletic, have been put on red alert over a potential loan in the second-half of the season.

The midfielder, who is the brother of Archie Gray, came through the ranks at Elland Road and has made just one-first team outing for the Whites.

Gray is reportedly of interest to Manchester City, with the report claiming Manchester City are mulling over a £40m swoop for the England youth international.

Derby are believed to be one of the clubs who are keen on the wonderkid, with the article emerging just days after their 1-1 draw against Mousinho’s men at Pride Park on Saturday.

Portsmouth rivals plotting audacious January move for £47.5 Tottenham Hotspur star as Championship duo eye Leeds United raid

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Pompey rivals plot audacious January move for £47.5 Spurs star ahead of Fratton trip - portsmouth.co.uk
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The latest transfer headlines involving Pompey’s Championship rivals.

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Pompey earned a 1-1 draw against Derby County on Saturday afternoon to leave them two points above the relegation zone heading into Christmas.

The festive schedule is now firmly underway, with the Blues facing QPR on Boxing Day before welcoming Charlton Athletic to Fratton Park to round off 2025.

The transfer window is now just a matter of days away, with John Mousinho expecting new arrivals - and potential departures - in a vitally important market for their season.

Pompey sit just two points clear of the bottom three, while a four-point gap has opened up to 20th-placed Blackburn Rovers.

Although Christmas is upon us, transfer gossip and speculation is ramping up as clubs begin their preparations for January.

Here are the latest headlines involving the Blues’ Championship rivals.

Ipswich eyeing Brennan Johnson swoop

Ipswich Town are eyeing an audacious swoop for Tottenham Hotspur winger Brennan Johnson, according to reports.

The Tractor Boys are bidding for an instant return to the Premier League following their relegation last term and currently sit third in the standings going into Christmas.

Kieran McKenna’s men are looking to strengthen in the market, with the £47.5 man believed to be on their radar.

Football Insider have claimed Johnson is a top target at Portman Road next month, but face competition from Crystal Palace and Brentford for his signature.

The report suggests Spurs are weighing up whether to allow the 24-year-old to depart north London in the window after a frustrating start to the season.

The 42-cap Wales international has featured 21 times for Thomas Frank’s men, of which six have been from the start, which has also seen him net four goals to date.

Johnson, who made a £47.5 move from Nottingham Forest in 2023 has scored 27 goals and registered 18 assists in 106 outings in all competitions during his two-and-a-half-year stay at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Ipswich have been credited with an interest in the right winger, who could now be available on loan in the January window just months after scoring the winner in Spurs’ 1-0 triumph against Spurs to claim the Europa League in May.

The Tractor Boys make the trip to Fratton Park on January 4 to face Pompey to bring an end to the festive period.

Play Up Pompey! Stay in the know with match-day action, exclusive analysis and more with our free football email

Championship sides chasing Leeds star

A host of Championship clubs are potentially planning a January swoop for Leeds United talent Harry Gray.

Transfer guru Alan Nixon has claimed a host of Championship clubs, including Derby County and Charlton Athletic, have been put on red alert over a potential loan in the second-half of the season.

The midfielder, who is the brother of Archie Gray, came through the ranks at Elland Road and has made just one-first team outing for the Whites.

Gray is reportedly of interest to Manchester City, with the report claiming Manchester City are mulling over a £40m swoop for the England youth international.

Derby are believed to be one of the clubs who are keen on the wonderkid, with the article emerging just days after their 1-1 draw against Mousinho’s men at Pride Park on Saturday.

Portsmouth boss addresses Spurs loanee Minhyeok Yang's Fratton Park future after Real Madrid transfer link

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Pompey boss addresses Minhyeok Yang's Fratton Park future after Real Madrid link - portsmouth.co.uk
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The South Korean international has scored twice in 14 appearances for the Blues

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John Mousinho insists Pompey have ‘heard nothing’ from either Spurs or Real Madrid over the potential sale of Minhyeok Yang.

And while the Blues boss has confirmed the Premier League club hold a recall option next month, he believes the winger will remain at Fratton Park for the rest of the season.

Spanish news outlet Defensa Central this week reported Real Madrid are preparing to table a 7m Euro bid with Spurs to capture the South Korean international.

That has since been rubbished by Football Asian, who insist there is no interest from the Spanish giants - although Yang could still go on loan elsewhere in January’s transfer window.

Yang ‘no longer the right fit’ for Portsmouth

The website claims Bundesliga and Ligue 1 clubs are in the hunt to take the 19-year-old next month, with Yang ‘no longer the right fit’ for Pompey.

Speaking this afternoon ahead of Pompey’s trip to Derby, however, Mousinho is adamant the attacker will be staying on the south coast for the duration of his agreed loan.

The Blues head coach told The News: ‘I’ve heard the story (about Real Madrid), but there’s nothing I have heard from Tottenham or Real Madrid.

‘I think Minhyeok will be here for the rest of the season. Spurs have a recall, as most of these loan contracts. Spurs have a recall if they want to recall him.

‘I think he’s been a really bright spark in a lot of the performances we’ve had, particularly in the early part of the season.

‘At times you have probably seen what you can sometimes expect from young players, but, as a 19-year-old coming into a struggling side, he has done very well. He will be staying until the end of the season.’

Mixed time at Fratton Park

Yang has experienced a mixed start to his Pompey career following his August arrival from the Premier League on a season-long loan.

Representing his second Championship loan spell since joining Spurs in January, other than an impressive three-week period in October, the winger has largely struggled to make a Fratton impact.

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Of late, he has been switched to the right wing to accommodate fit-again Josh Murphy on the left, including starting the last two matches against Swansea and Blackburn.

However, it was during a seven-match run on the left wing from the end of September when he produced his best form, including scoring in successive games against Watford and Middlesbrough.

Last weekend, Yang was taken off at half-time with the Blues trailing 1-0 to Blackburn. Instead Callum Lang moved to the right wing from a centre-forward role and proceeded to net a 62nd-minute leveller.

‘It’s about trying to find the best place for him to fit into the team.’

Overall, the former Gangwon player has made 14 appearances and scored twice for Pompey, although he has started just two of their last seven games.

When asked about Yang’s recent form, Mousinho added: ‘That’s partly due to the way we play, with Murphy being back and playing on the left.

‘We have tried Minhyeok on the right over the past couple of games. It’s just about trying to find the best place for him to fit into the team.’

Transfer gossip: Real Madrid 'readying' shock move for Portsmouth winger on loan from Tottenham Hotspur

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Transfer gossip: Real Madrid 'readying' shock move for Pompey man on loan from Spurs - portsmouth.co.uk
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Minhyeok Yang has scored two goals and registered one assist during his loan stay at Pompey.

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Real Madrid have been credited with an interest in Pompey loanee Minhyeok Yang.

It’s been a bright start to the campaign on the south coast for the 19-year-old, who arrived from Tottenham Hotspur in August on a season-long deal.

The winger has amassed 14 outings for the Blues in all competitions to date, which has reaped two goals and one assist.

Real Madrid interested in Pompey loanee Minhyeok Yang

Indeed, his displays at Fratton Park haven’t gone unnoticed, with Real Madrid reportedly admirers of Minhyeok.

Spanish news outlet Defensa Central have claimed the Pompey loanee is being ‘closely watched’ by Los Blancos due to his ‘immense potential’.

The report suggests Xabi Alonso’s men are ready to make a 7m euro (£6.1m) offer to Spurs for the South Korean youth international - although the article is unclear if they will make a move in January.

Minhyeok only arrived in England in January after an outstanding maiden campaign in senior football for Gangwon FC. The forward netted 12 goals and provided six assists during his 38 appearances during the 2024 K League campaign.

After penning a six-year deal in north London at the start of 2025, the young talent spent the second half of last term on loan at QPR, where he flourished in the Championship.

The winger is yet to make a first-team outing for Thomas Frank’s side, but was a prominent fixture on the club’s pre-season program in the summer.

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John Mousinho on Minhyeok Yang’s Pompey stay

The 19-year-old returned to English football’s second division in August, where he sealed a season-long loan switch to Fratton Park.

Minhyeok has appeared 14 times for the Blues in the opening four months of the campaign, which has seen him score on two occasions as well as registering one assist.

His performances have been noticed by Mousinho, who admitted the tricky winger has so far ‘exceeded expectations’ on the south coast.

The Blues boss told The News at the start of December: ‘I think so (his loan period has gone as expected). I think he probably has exceeded expectations, with the way he came in and did as well as he did - especially in Josh Murphy's absence.

‘We’ve still got very high hopes for Minhyeok, and we’re really pleased with where he’s at.

‘I think he can definitely influence games off the bench, but he’s done both. He started games and also influenced things off the bench. At times, he’s started and looked very bright for us.’

Pompey boss’ verdict of Tottenham Hotspur starlet's Fratton stay ahead of January window

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Pompey boss’ verdict of Tottenham Hotspur starlet's Fratton stay ahead of January window - portsmouth.co.uk
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The South Korea international has made his mark since moving to Fratton Park from Spurs - with John Mousinho now adding his latest thoughts on the former QPR man.

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John Mousinho believes Min-hyeok Yang’s Pompey stay has exceeded expectations after his return to the starting XI.

And the Blues boss has expressed his satisfaction at the Spurs loanee’s contribution to his side’s season, ahead of the January transfer window.

Pompey boss on Spurs loanee: ‘Very high hopes for Min-hyeok’

Yang came into Mousinho’s team for Saturday’s abandoned clash as Charlton, as he started his first game since the 4-0 humbling against Birmingham City at the start of last month.

The 19-year-old produced some bright and breezy early moments before the game was halted in the 12th minute for a medical emergency, with it later confirmed a home supporter had tragically died.

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Yang has now made 12 Blues appearances since a loan deal was agreed in August, comprising eight starts and four outings off the bench.

The South Korea international has returned two goals and an assist in that time, with those contributions arriving in a three-game sequence against Watford, Middlesbrough and Leicester.

Spurs will have the opportunity to recall Yang next month, with the days counting down until the opening of the January transfer window in just over three weeks.

But Mousinho is certainly happy with what the former QPR man is offering his group, while believing he is getting the kind of game exposure and development his parent club would hope for.

With Pompey seeing forward options returning to the set-up ahead of a busy Christmas schedule, the Blues head coach sees the attacker influencing his side both as a starter and coming off the bench.

Mousinho said: ‘I think so (his loan period has gone as expected). I think he probably has exceeded expectations, with the way he came in and did as well as he did - especially in Josh Murphy's absence.

‘We’ve still got very high hopes for Min-hyeok, and we’re really pleased with where he’s at.

‘I think he can definitely influence games off the bench, but he’s done both. He started games and also influenced things off the bench. At times, he’s started and looked very bright for us.’

Three loanees whose future will be under January spotlight

Yang is one of three Pompey loanees whose ongoing involvement will be up for consideration in the new year.

Ipswich’s Conor Chaplin and Swansea City’s Florian Bianchini are the other options, with space available for further temporary additions if the trio were to remain at PO4 - with five loanees allowed in a matchday squad.

There was a huge fanfare for Chaplin’s homecoming, though the academy graduate’s stay has not gone as well as would’ve been hoped for to date. Chaplin has failed to produce a goal contribution so far, though the 28-year-old was named in Mousinho’s starting line-up for the first time in around a month at Charlton.

Meanwhile, Bianchini’s time at Pompey has not produced the impact the Frenchman would’ve desired. The 24-year-old has mustered a single assist from six starts and five substitute appearances, with Bianchini unavailable tomorrow as the Blues travel to south Wales to take on his parent club.

The ‘exceptional’ former Portsmouth and Tottenham Hotspur man transforming career in surprise destination

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The ‘exceptional’ former Pompey man flourishing in surprise destination - portsmouth.co.uk
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Josh Oluwayemi registered nine appearances during an 18 month-stay at Fratton Park.

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A former Pompey talent’s career is transforming his career in a surprise new destination.

Josh Oluwayemi arrived at Fratton Park in 2022 under Danny Cowley, having departed Tottenham Hotspur looking to establish himself in the EFL.

But after just nine first-team outings for the Blues, the young shot stopper departed PO4 in February 2024, marking a disappointing end to an 18-month stay.

After a stint in Finland’s top flight with FC Lahti, Oluwayemi is now flourishing with A-League outfit Wellington Phoenix.

The ex-Fratton keeper is enjoying an outstanding stay with the Nix and grabbed the headlines over the weekend after his heroics in the New Zealand derby against Auckland.

The ‘exceptional’ ex-Pompey man grabbing headlines Down Under

The Spurs academy graduate came to the rescue for Giancarlo Italiano’s side where he amassed 10 saves as well as two penalty stops.

It continues his fine spell in goal for Wellington, who currently sit seventh in the A-League after the opening seven matches of the campaign.

And the Nix boss has praised Oluwayemi’s contributions this term, branding the former Pompey man as ‘exceptional’.

He said: ‘The one-on-one was exceptional. It was a top save at a crucial moment. The one before half-time I think he should make, but he got down well.

‘Joshy is a good goalkeeper, he’s got big saves in him and he’s very capable of making those saves.’

Following his arrival in August 2024, Oluwayemi has featured 24 times for the Kiwi outfit and signed a new deal, which will keep him with the Nix until the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

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John Mousinho on Josh Oluwayemi’s Pompey departure

Having arrived from Spurs after a period on trial under Cowley in 2022, the 24-year-old was second-choice behind Josh Griffiths in the Blues’ goalkeeping department, with his sole outings initially coming in the EFL Trophy.

Oluwayemi would get his chance between the sticks for Pompey in League One during a disappointing 3-0 defeat away at Bolton Wanderers in January 2023 under interim boss Simon Bassey.

The keeper featured just three more times for the Blues under John Mousinho before a frustrating loan stint with Chelmsford at the start of the 2023-24 campaign saw him depart PO4 on a permanent basis on February 1, 2024.

And the head coach admitted at the time a departure from Fratton was the ‘best thing’ for his career.

Mousinho said in January 2024: ‘Nothing is finalised at the moment, we are just working to make sure that both parties are happy with the terms.

‘It is amicable and I think it’s the best thing for Josh. The big game for us at the moment is to make sure he progresses in his career and moves on and I think this is the best possible way to do it.

‘If he has an opportunity to go elsewhere then we’ll do everything we can to make that happen.

‘It’s about opportunities. Josh’s opportunities here this year have been limited with how well Will has done. It’s very difficult for him to see that progression at this football club - and we don’t want to hold anyone’s future up.

‘I am sure Josh will go on and have a great career and that’s what it’s about for us, making sure he progresses down the line and makes a success of himself.’

Pompey owner outlines love for Fratton Park after Tottenham visit

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Owner Michael Eisner has been in Pompey this week as part of his latest planned visit from the United States.

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Pompey chairman Michael Eisner has reiterated his love for Fratton Park during his latest visit to the south coast.

The 83-year-old is in the middle of a planned trip to PO4 from his LA base and was in attendance for Wednesday’s stalemate with Wrexham.

The American businessman has been full of admiration for the Blues’ famous old home throughout his eight years at the helm.

Eisner once again lavished praise on the ‘Old Girl’, which has a capacity of 20,927, after a trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in midweek to watch Spurs’ Champions League clash with Copenhagen.

The state-of-the art arena, which opened in 2019, holds more than 62,000 supporters and is classed as one of the most modern in world football.

The Blues’ chairman has spent more than £20m redeveloping Pompey’s home, which included work in rebuilding the South Stand, Milton End re-profiling the North Stand lower and the creating of the fan zone.

Although it has come at a cost, for Eisner it’s been a labour of love and has taken pride on the significant work undertaken at PO4.

And during his latest visit to England, his visit to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium reaffirmed his vision of maintaining Fratton Park’s unique and historic feel.

Michael Eisner’s love affair of Fratton Park.

Speaking on Pompey+ ahead of Wednesday’s draw with Wrexham, he said: ‘I love being back here. Fratton Park is fantastic.

‘I went to the Tottenham game (Spurs v Copenhagen) on Tuesday night, which is a great stadium, very effective, the food and all but it doesn’t have the fabulous feeling of history, beauty and uniqueness. So I’m very happy to be back here.

‘It feels like eight minutes (having been Pompey chairman for eight years). When we win it’s a standout moment but when we lose it ruins the weekend.’

I think we’ve had some great moments and all of the work we’ve done behind the scenes which we don’t talk about very much has been fun to renovate this great stadium and to bring it back to a contemporary usage.

‘To rebuild this stand (South Stand) and the Milton End, all those things add up to a great experience.

‘One thing I enjoy doing off the pitch is making it a great experience. The fan zone just makes it exciting to be here and we’re still working on that.’

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Pompey’s work on Hilsea training base

Although there has been significant work done at Fratton Park, Eisner and Tornante have splashed the cash in improving facilities at the Blues’ Hilsea training base.

And the chairman has explained the importance of an improved working environment for players and coaching staff.

‘It’s unbelievably important. Yes the number one thing is to win - but I believe if you have an environment that is pleasant even if you lose is not the end of the world.’

Former Tottenham Hotspur man makes shock career switch - months after 'turning down' Portsmouth deal

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Alfie Whiteman spent time on trial with Pompey during pre-season as he looked to earn a Fratton deal.

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Former Pompey triallist Alfie Whiteman has made a shock career decision- just months after training with the Blues.

The goalkeeper has announced he has hung up his gloves, aged 27, to pursue a fresh start in film production.

The shot stopper, who departed Spurs in the summer, spent a short period on trial with John Mousinho’s men in July as he went in search of a new footballing home, having spent 17 years in north London.

Alfie Whiteman’s Pompey trial

Whiteman featured twice for the Blues, with outings coming in a 2-0 pre-season triumph over Woking, as well as a win against Crawley in a behind-closed-doors friendly.

But the Europa League winner departed PO4 ahead of the season-opener against Oxford United, with the head coach admitting after a goalless draw with the Hawks that he was no longer training with Pompey.

Mousinho told The News at the time: ‘Alfie’s no longer with us on trial and he hasn’t been with us this week, but we’ll be keeping a keen eye on where Alfie ends up.’

In a later interview with The Athletic, Whiteman claimed he turned down the offer of an initial six-month deal to remain at Fratton Park and compete with Nicolas Schmid, Ben Killip and Jordan Archer for the No1 jersey.

The keeper, though, has made it clear his mind was already set on a change of career, which has since seen him turn his attention to the film and production industry.

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Why Alfie Whiteman called time on football career

After breaking through the ranks at Spurs, aged 10, the Londoner - who was capped 17 times for England at youth level - registered just one senior appearance for Tottenham during his 16-year association with the Premier League outfit and departed after their Europa League success in May.

Since then, Whiteman has lifted the lid on the reasons why he opted to bring his footballing career to a premature end - just months after his Pompey trial

He told The Athletic: ‘There was a weekend when I went home, and I started contemplating all my options. I had other things I’ve been building on the side and it was more exciting to me. To put it plainly, I saw happiness in these other avenues.

‘It got to this point where I’d rather end this on my terms than go to a club that I just didn’t want to go to.

‘When I was younger, I always said I didn’t want to play in the lower leagues; it was always about the highest level. Otherwise, I’d rather do something else. So I just took this step into the unknown, and I was like, “Oh, holy s***. I’m actually doing it.”.

‘Anything can happen. I’m in complete control of my life, and it’s really exciting and really scary.’

Whiteman has since signed for Somesuch, a film and production company, with the former Spurs man specialising in photography.

After departing Pompey in July, the keeper admitted he has not watched any football since - but is planning to film a documentary on the World Cup in the United States next year.

In the summer, Pompey added Josef Bursik to their goalkeeping pool, with the former Club Brugge man currently John Mousinho’s preferred stand-in for Schmid, who is currently out with a broken hand.

What’s next for Tottenham Hotspur loanee after announcing himself to Championship with Portsmouth

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The Spurs arrival is adjusting to life in England after a Championship loan at QPR - but now his promising career has lift-off at Fratton Park.

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John Mousinho lauded Minhyeok Yang’s emergence as a Championship threat after a week to savour.

And the Pompey boss expressed his anticipation at the Spurs loanee having the self-belief to now kick on from a breakthrough period in his young career.

Tottenham arrival’s week to savour at Pompey

Yang bagged the winner as the Blues took the unbeaten scalp of Championship leaders Middlesbrough at Fratton Park on Saturday.

It was the South Korean international’s second goal in as many games, arriving in his third start on the spin after his full league bow at Ipswich last weekend.

Mousinho highlighted how the 19-year-old is still adjusting to not only a new football club, but new culture and level in the second tier of the English game.

Now the challenge is for the winger to bottle his growing self-belief and kick on from this point .

Mousinho said: ‘(It’s been) a brilliant week (for Yang). He’s made his full Pompey league debut against Ipswich, he didn’t get his goal but played okay there.

‘Then he was excellent the other night against Watford, but I thought he was even better against Middlesbrough. So that’s three starts in a week, two goals and he’s rightfully receiving all the plaudits.

‘He’s been in the country for less than a year, he’s new in the country and still learning the language.

‘He’s coming down to Portsmouth for the first time and trying to settle in. It’s a brilliant group to come into because the lads look after everyone so well.

‘But he would’ve come in and hardly played a league minute up to the Ipswich game. After his cameo against Oxford, his half hour there, he hadn’t played in the league at all until we started him against Ipswich.

‘I was very, very pleased for Minhyeok across the week, he deserves it, and I hope he’s very confident now going into the rest of the season.’

Yang’s progress helping to fill Murphy attacking void for Pompey

Mousinho underlined how victory over Middlesbrough arrived without arguably his most potent attacking threat in Josh Murphy. The standout winger was missing as he recovers from a niggling ankle issue, with Yang filling his berth in the side.

The Pompey boss was particularly pleased his side are finding a way to pick up points without Murphy, something they often struggled with last term.

He added: ‘It’s important we find ways to win and compete without Josh.‘It’s probably something we didn’t do particularly well last season, when he was missing at the start of the year.

‘We’re hoping to have him back pretty soon and have that fierce competition at the top end of the pitch. Minhyeok has stepped into the void and been excellent.’