Portsmouth have made a £1m bid for Antalyaspor midfielder Jesper Ceesay, according to Swedish outlet, Expressen.
John Mousinho’s Portsmouth are beginning to make moves as they look to improve on their first season back in the Championship. Earlier on Tuesday, it was reported that Pompey are looking into a move for Hull City’s Abu Kamara, and it now appears they have another target on their radar.
According to Swedish outlet Expressen, Portsmouth have made a bid in the region of £1m for Antalyaspor midfielder Jesper Ceesay. The 24-year-old has only been in Türkiye for one season but could now move to the Championship this window.
Saudi Pro League side Al-Fateh are reported to have also lodged a bid for Ceesay, rivalling Pompey to get hold of the player’s services.
This isn’t the first time Ceesay has been linked with a move to England either. Prior to his transfer to Antalyaspor, the midfielder look set to join then-League One side Bolton Wanderers. Instead the transfer fell through and Ceesay could now face the Trotters, should he move to Fratton Park.
Who is Portsmouth target Jesper Ceesay?
Portsmouth FC News
24-year-old Ceesay began his footballing journey in Sweden. Though now a full Gambian international, the midfielder was born in Sweden and played for Brommapojkarna, AIK and IFK Norrkoping before moving to Antalyaspor last summer.
A holding midfielder by trade, Ceesay can play anywhere centrally but his large frame and tackling ability make him perfect in deep midfield or even deployed within central defence. Goals are not known for a player like Ceesay, who likes to let others express themselves whilst he does the dirty work, mopping up opposition attacks.
Jesper Ceesay’s 2025/26 Antalyaspor stats
| Appearances | Defensive Contributions | Tackles |
| 35 | 172 | 52 |
Last season, the midfielder was a key part of the Antalyaspor team, but could not help them to stay in Türkiye’s top flight as they were relegated, opening the door to a summer exit.
Where would Ceesay fit at Portsmouth?
Mousinho and his team are determined to guide Portsmouth away from another relegation fight this season. To do so, their midfield has to be stronger, particularly defensively, with the team as a whole conceding 71 goals last term.
With Andre Dozzell moving on, Ceesay presents a more defensive, more flexible option in the central areas. Not only does he fill a gap, but he can give Pompey more defensive stability whilst also offering valuable versatility to cover when injuries crop up as the season goes on.
Pompey’s 16th placed finish only came after a late flourish in the season. If they want to better it this year then they need to find stability centrally and that sums up the player Ceesay is.
Should he join the south coast side, it could be a big step in the right direction.