Portsmouth are showing strong interest in signing Crystal Palace’s young attacking midfielder Hindolo Mustapha on a loan deal. The 18-year-old has caught the eye of Portsmouth manager John Mousinho, who has attended Crystal Palace U21 matches to personally watch the promising talent in action.
According to reports from the South London Press, Mustapha is a leading target for Portsmouth as they look to bolster their attacking options ahead of the next campaign. The club sees him as a potential game-changer due to his technical ability and creative presence in midfield. The interest from Fratton Park underscores the rising reputation of Mustapha, who has already begun making waves in youth and senior football.
Mustapha has been a part of Crystal Palace’s youth system since he was nine years old and has shown consistent development over the years. His long association with the club culminated in him signing his first professional contract in January 2024. This move marked a significant milestone in his career, affirming the club’s belief in his future potential.
On the international stage, Mustapha has already made his mark. Despite his young age, he has earned a senior cap for Sierra Leone, his country of heritage. His debut came during the qualifiers for the 2025 African Cup of Nations, where he featured in a match against Chad. This appearance highlights his maturity and ability to perform at higher levels of competition beyond the club’s development squads.
In addition to his international breakthrough, Mustapha’s performances in domestic competitions have also garnered attention. In March, he was nominated for the Premier League 2 Player of the Month award, recognizing his consistent form and contributions to Crystal Palace’s U21 team. This nomination further emphasizes the impact he has had in youth football and the bright future many see in him.
Most recently, Mustapha showcased his attacking prowess in a match against Brighton’s U21 team. In that game, he scored a stunning left-footed volley to open the scoring for Palace in a 3-1 victory. The goal highlighted both his technical skill and confidence on the ball—traits that have made him a standout in Palace’s youth ranks.
Portsmouth’s pursuit of Mustapha aligns with their strategy of incorporating dynamic young talent to strengthen their squad. A loan move could benefit both parties—Pompey would gain a creative spark in their midfield, while Mustapha would get the opportunity to experience senior-level football more regularly. The move could also serve as a crucial development step for the teenager as he looks to build on his early achievements.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Portsmouth are expected to push for a deal that brings the talented playmaker to Fratton Park. If successful, the loan spell could mark a key chapter in Mustapha’s development and contribute significantly to Portsmouth’s ambitions for the season ahead.
