Exclusive: Portsmouth miss deadline to seal permanent signing as new transfer pursuit emerges
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Credit: Imago Wed 13 May 2026 15:05, UK Portsmouth have missed the deadline to take up their option to buy Gustavo Caballero on a permanent deal from Santos, and could face a battle to sign him with a number of clubs tracking the winger, sources have told Football Insider.The 24-year-old’s future at the Championship outfit is currently hanging in the balance, with Pompey aiming to renegotiate his £2.5million transfer fee with the Brazilian club.His agent, Enzo Prono, has confirmed to Football Insider that interest is high in the winger from the Championship and Scotland, as he prepares for the upcoming 2026 World Cup with Paraguay.Caballero has impressed at Portsmouth and has become a big fans’ favourite following his deadline-day arrival in February.The pacy attacker racked up 12 appearances for Pompey and found the back of the net once as Portsmouth managed to avoid Championship relegation.Enzo Prono: Gustavo Caballero attracting interest from elsewhereUnder the current agreements of his loan deal, Portsmouth held an exclusive transfer option, believed to be worth around the £2.5m region.However, now that the club has failed to meet the deadline, Prono has revealed that other clubs are now pursuing the winger.Gustavo Caballero’s Championship stats this seasonPer 90 minutesGoals 0.12xG0.14Shots1.77Successful dribbles47.4%Touches in the opposition’s box3.90Tackles2.01Caballero has some impressive stats this season“It is true that Portsmouth have missed the deadline to activate the option to sign Gustavo permanently and that they are trying to renegotiate a possible deal,” Prono exclusively told Football Insider.“We are waiting to see what the outcome will be, but there is interest from other clubs and we have talked with clubs in the English Championship and in Scotland.“Gustavo really enjoyed his time at Portsmouth and he adapted very well to the club and the area and he is thankful to his coach and teammates for helping him with that.“The coach [John Mousinho] was very important to Gustavo as he gave him a lot of confidence and that has helped him ahead of the World Cup with Paraguay.“We will keep all our options open and see what is best for Gustavo and his future.”How good was Gustavo Caballero for Portsmouth?According to Fotmob on 13 May, Caballero had plenty of impressive stats in the Championship this season. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Per 90 minutes, he was averaging 0.12 goals, a 0.14 xG, 1.77 shots, a 47.4 successful dribble rate percentage 3.90 touches in the opposition box and 2.01 tackles.— BBC Radio Solent Sport (@solentsport) February 21, 2026 Therefore, it is of little surprise that Caballero is attracting interest ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.However, it remains to be seen where the winger will be playing his football during the 2026-27 campaign. 🏆 Championship Insider Access Get the full story from across the EFL with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from across the EFL Championship.