Portsmouth avoided spending £450,000 on midfielder Antony Evans, who has been told he can depart Huddersfield Town after just one season following his move from Bristol Rovers last summer.
The former Everton academy graduate was reportedly on Portsmouth’s radar in May 2024 when John Mousinho was building his Championship squad.
However, Evans opted to join League One Huddersfield for a substantial £450,000 fee from Bristol Rovers in June 2024, signing a three-year contract with the Terriers.
Disappointing campaign leads to exit
New Huddersfield manager Lee Grant has informed Evans he is surplus to requirements after a lacklustre debut season. The attacking midfielder managed only two goals and six assists across 37 appearances in all competitions.
Huddersfield endured a disappointing League One campaign, finishing 10th and missing the play-offs by 13 points. The club’s struggles contributed to Evans failing to replicate the form that attracted interest from multiple clubs.
Wigan lead pursuit for cut-price deal
Transfer journalist Alan Nixon reports Evans will likely be sold or loaned during the current window, with League One side Wigan Athletic heading the chase. The Latics finished 15th last season under Ryan Lowe after dismissing previous manager Shaun Maloney in March.
Huddersfield are reportedly keen to recoup some of their investment in the 25-year-old, though any fee is expected to be significantly lower than the £450,000 they paid 12 months ago.
Championship rivals chase £17.5m striker
Portsmouth’s summer recruitment
Portsmouth ultimately brought in 14 new signings as Mousinho prepared for Championship football. The club opted against adding a new number 10, leaving attacking midfielder positions thin behind striker Callum Lang.
Evans had impressed during his time at Bristol Rovers, contributing 26 goals and 26 assists in 142 appearances across three seasons. His 2023-24 campaign was particularly strong, with 10 goals and nine assists in 52 matches helping establish his reputation.
The midfielder’s potential departure from Huddersfield represents a significant loss for the Yorkshire club, who had high expectations when securing his signature from the Memorial Stadium.
