Portsmouth have strengthened their squad with the signings of Marko Milovanovic and Daniel Bielica, moves that underline an expanded transfer budget at Fratton Park ahead of the new Championship campaign.
Two new faces at Fratton Park
Milovanovic, a 22-year-old Serbian forward, has completed a switch from Spanish side Almeria and has signed a four-year contract at Portsmouth. The fee for the striker is understood to be in excess of £3 million. He previously came through Partizan Belgrade’s system, moved to Almeria in 2022 and spent last season on loan in Portugal where he scored ten times in 32 appearances.
Portsmouth have also brought in 27-year-old goalkeeper Daniel Bielica from Dutch club NAC Breda for an undisclosed fee. Bielica has penned a three-year deal and brings significant top‑flight experience from his time in the Netherlands, having made 65 appearances across two seasons for Breda after beginning his senior career in Poland.
Manager’s assessment
“He has the physical attributes required to compete in English football, but is also someone comfortable with the ball at his feet. His goal return in Portugal last season was impressive and I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do for Pompey…”
The club’s manager highlighted both players’ attributes on arrival, pointing to Milovanovic’s blend of physicality and technical ability and Bielica’s experience between the posts.
What the signings mean for Pompey
- Immediate competition: Milovanovic and Bielica add depth in two key areas — attack and goalkeeping.
- Budget shift: Upfront fees for recent signings indicate a larger transfer outlay than last summer, with combined initial payments for some targets reported to exceed £5m.
- Squad planning: The arrivals suggest a push to build on recent Championship campaigns with a mixture of youth and experience.
| Player | Age | Previous club | Contract length | Notable recent form |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marko Milovanovic | 22 | Almeria (loan at FC Alverca) | 4 years | 10 goals in 32 matches in Portugal |
| Daniel Bielica | 27 | NAC Breda | 3 years | 65 top-flight appearances in the Netherlands |
Supporters have expressed frustration at the pace of some transfer announcements in recent weeks, but club officials have pointed to logistical constraints such as visa processing and the timing of disclosures at other clubs. Observers monitoring Pompey’s summer window say the club’s activity so far represents a marked increase in spending compared with the previous year, although fees remain modest by Championship standards.
Both signings are expected to take part in pre-season training once formalities, including any international clearance, are completed. The additions see Portsmouth continue to prepare for another demanding season in the Championship, adding fresh options for the manager as he shapes the squad.
