Portsmouth Targets Lyndon Dykes Amid Birmingham’s Striker Search

Portsmouth FC is assessing the possibility of acquiring striker Lyndon Dykes from Birmingham City as they seek to bolster their attacking options. The move comes after a challenging start to their second season in the Championship, following promotion from League One in 2024. Portsmouth began their campaign with a win against Oxford United, courtesy of a stunning goal from Adrian Segecic, but have since faced two defeats, including a narrow 2-1 loss to Norwich City at Fratton Park.

In their recent matches, Portsmouth has struggled to find the back of the net consistently. Colby Bishop, who has been a key player for the team over the past three seasons, missed the final pre-season friendly against Dutch club PEC Zwolle due to a minor injury. This absence raises concerns over his availability for upcoming league fixtures. Meanwhile, young Australian striker Thomas Waddingham shows promise but may need additional time to develop, prompting the need for a more seasoned forward to share the scoring burden.

Potential Transfer for Dykes

Birmingham City is reportedly pursuing a high-profile striker, Aleksandar Mitrovic, currently at Al Hilal. The financial implications of such a move are significant, with Mitrovic’s salary estimated at around £414,509 per week. If Birmingham successfully secures Mitrovic, it could leave Dykes in a precarious position, especially with the arrival of German international striker Marvin Ducksch from Werder Bremen. This influx of talent could limit Dykes’ opportunities at St. Andrew’s, making him an attractive target for Portsmouth.

Dykes brings valuable experience, having netted 37 goals in 165 appearances for Queens Park Rangers between 2020 and 2024. Additionally, he has scored nine goals in 42 matches for the Scotland national team. His proven track record could significantly enhance Portsmouth’s offensive capabilities, which have been lacking in the current campaign. In contrast, Waddingham’s senior goal tally stands at 16, while Florian Bianchini and Kusini Yengi combined for only three goals last season.

Dykes as a Strategic Option

Acquiring Dykes would provide Portsmouth with a reliable goal-scoring option, particularly during periods when Bishop may be unavailable. Last season, when Bishop was recovering from heart surgery, Portsmouth struggled offensively with both Yengi and Christian Saydee failing to deliver consistent results, which ultimately influenced the decision to release them during the summer window.

Dykes’ Championship experience and international exposure would be invaluable in easing the pressure on Bishop and fostering Waddingham’s development into a top-class striker. As the transfer window progresses, Portsmouth may find an opportunity to secure Dykes, especially if Birmingham finalizes their own transfer plans.

With the right strategy and timing, the potential acquisition of Lyndon Dykes could prove to be a crucial move for Portsmouth FC as they navigate a competitive Championship season.