Thomas signs on

Pompey have completed the season-long loan signing of Charlton winger Jerome Thomas.

Redknapp has admired Thomas for a long time and has tried on various occasions to bring him in. Thomas nearly signed in last season’s January transfer window, however Pompey ran out of time to get the deal done.

Charlton manager Alan Pardew admitted earlier today that Thomas may have to move on to reduce the club’s wage bill. The former Arsenal trainee has now finalised his move and will now be looking to break into the Pompey squad, with Niko Kranjcar as his main competition.

Portsmouth Chief Executive Peter Storrie told Pompey’s official website, “Jerome’s a young player Harry has always liked – a quick, wide player who is a good addition to the squad.

“The idea is that he comes here and proves himself. If he plays to the ability we all know he has then he has a great chance of staying here longer, so it’s in his hands.

“Harry has been looking to add a quick, wide player, something that’s important when you’ve got someone like (Peter) Crouch up front.”

The 25-year-old is available to make his debut against last year’s league runner up Chelsea, on Sunday. 

Thomas will become Redknapp’s sixth signing of the summer after already signing Glen Little, Ben Sahar, Peter Crouch, OJ Koroma and more recently, Younes Kaboul.