Portsmouth sporting director Richard Hughes insists the club are 'really confident' of keeping manager John Mousinho this summer. The 40-year-old secured Championship survival for a second consecutive season, winning four of their final six matches to finish 18th and avoid relegation. Mousinho signed a new two-year deal in September 2024, but has attracted interest from several clubs including Bristol City.

Hughes dismissed online rumors about Mousinho's future, confirming no official approaches have been received. 'It's a natural by-product of having an incredibly talented head coach,' Hughes told BBC Radio Solent. The board has approved a budget increase for next season, with Hughes emphasizing their ambition to improve year-on-year and demonstrate their vision to Mousinho.

Pompey finished the 2025-26 campaign with one point more than their first Championship season back, though their league position dropped to 18th from 16th. The club faces stiff competition next term with West Ham, Burnley, and Wolves dropping down from the Premier League, alongside promoted sides Cardiff, Bolton, and Lincoln.

Despite the financial disadvantage against parachute payment recipients, Hughes believes Portsmouth can compete in the bottom half of the Championship. Success hinges on recruitment, with the club aiming to build on last season's points total and establish themselves as a stable second-tier outfit.