Skal gi Schmid kamp om keeperplassen

Pompey har kjøpt den polske keeperen Daniel Bielica.

NYHETER: Nico Schmid har vært Pompeys udiskutable førstekeeper de to siste sesongene. Han har jevnt over levert på et bra nivå, selv om enkelte supportere mener Pompey må sikte høyere om Pompey skal jakte play-off-plasser.

Nå har Pompey kjøpt en ny konkurrent til Schmid. Den polske 27-åringen Daniel Bielica er kjøpt fra nederlandske NEC Breda for en overgangssum som ikke er offentliggjort, men det ryktes rundt 600.000 pund.

Bielica er 1,91 meter høy og spilte før sine to år i Nederland for Górnik Zabrze i hjemlandet. I utgangspunktet er det ventet at han blir andrekeeper i Pompey, men han vil trolig gi Nico Schmid hardere kamp om keeperplassen enn hva østerrikeren har hatt så langt.

Josef Bursik var andrekeeper forrige sesong, men han er ute med skade i starten av kommende sesong. Det spekuleres i England i at han står fritt til å forlate Pompey nå. Ben Killip var tredjekeeper forrige sesong og skal være fornøyd med å fortsette i den rollen også i 2026/27.

SE OGSÅ: Daniel Bielicas spillerprofil

 

Hovedtrener John Mousinhos kommentarer

«We are thrilled to add more competition in our goalkeeping ranks with the capture of Daniel. He is a very experienced player with plenty of minutes at a high level of European football under his belt.

Daniel joins Pompey following a strong season on a personal level in the Netherlands and provides us with another excellent option between the sticks”

 

Daniel Bielicas kommentarer til overgangen

«I’m really happy to join this beautiful club – it’s a pleasure and I’m excited to step out on the grass. I spoke with the coaches and they showed me a presentation about myself, including what I can improve – and that was impressive.

That was about 40 minutes with Joe [Prodomo] and I was surprised at how prepared they were for our first meeting.

I knew then that coming to Pompey would be a beautiful step for me and that I would like to try to take it. The Championship is the best ‘second’ league in the world and you see all the famous names. It’s a good challenge. I’ve heard that Fratton Park has one of the loudest atmospheres in the country and that the fans can help us score goals.

The coaches spoke about how the goalkeeping department was already at a good level, but they wanted it to be even more competitive. I’m here to push the guys – and they are here to push me – and I believe we can have healthy relationships.

I will give all my support to them and would expect the same when I get the opportunity to play. Our position on the pitch is a bit different, so that’s important.”