This post is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which features personal comments from FLW Fan Pundits on breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings, and more.

Rob Atkinson joined Portsmouth on loan from Bristol City during the winter transfer window and has made an immediate impact at Fratton Park.

The 26-year-old has gone straight into John Mousinho’s side and has contributed to three consecutive victories to help relieve their anxieties at the foot of the Championship table, where they are currently nine points from relegation. Despite being forced off in the first half of Pompey’s 2-1 win against Queens Park Rangers at the weekend due to a calf injury, the centre-back has quickly endeared himself to his new fans, who have looked noticeably stronger at the back since his arrival last month. With that in mind, we chatted with Football League World’s Portsmouth fan pundit Miltos Ioannidis about the defender’s future this summer, with his club likely to wish to keep his services on a permanent basis basis after his recent showings.

Rob Atkinson, Portsmouth impact heralded after Bristol City switch

After being out for nearly two years due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury incurred in February 2023, Atkinson has recently eased back into life on the pitch, with Pompey profiting from his improved fitness. His confidence at the back has contributed to five wins from his first eight games for his temporary team, as well as a draw with promotion-chasing Burnley at Fratton Park. That steeliness has helped Mousinho’s team escape danger in recent weeks, and Ioannidis has been impressed by what he has seen from the Bristol City loanee, albeit he remains doubtful of his chances of making the transfer permanent in the summer. When asked about the defender’s situation, the Pompey supporter responded: “Rob Atkinson is a brilliant defender at this level, and the probability of Bristol City letting him leave this summer primarily lies with how they fare come the end of the season. Right now they are pushing for a play-off place.

“I believe the best way to characterise Rob Atkinson as a player is that he is a better and more complete version of Sean Raggett, of whom I was a huge fan last season in League One. “Although he is really tall, he is extremely comfortable on the ball, he is a very complete defender; he is really good in the air and has paired really well with every other centre-back he has played with so far.”

Rob Atkinson valuation made after impressive Portsmouth stint

Atkinson’s contract at Ashton Gate expires next summer, which might lead to City listening to offers for the defender in the coming months. That scenario might work in Pompey’s favour if they keep their Championship status, with an experienced figurehead at the heart of the backline making all the difference in the second half of the season. Ioannidis feels a low seven-figure amount might persuade the Robins to part with a player who has been judged surplus to needs since his return to fitness, however his form at Fratton Park may entice his home club to keep him on the books for a longer period of time.

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