Portsmouth nearing signing of 18-year-old New Zealand ace

Portsmouth are closing in on the signing of New Zealand U20 international Luke Brooke-Smith as they look to build for the future. Portsmouth are close to sealing the arrival of Wellington Phoenix midfielder Luke Brooke-Smith. Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph states that both clubs have agreed a deal worth around £400,000. Pompey have also settled terms for the transfer, with the New Zealand U20 international set to join on a three-year contract. The 18-year-old will be the sixth player from the Australian top flight to arrive at Fratton Park. The South Coast outfit have already made two signings this summer. Odin Bailey and Eoin Kenny are John Mousinho’s first additions this window, with more expected soon. Deals for Marko Milovanovic and Rocco Shein are likely to be the fourth and fifth recruits before the reported deal for Brooke-Smith is finalised. Portsmouth appear to be lowering the average age of their squad over the coming months. The New Zealand prospect may not be ready for the first team yet, but Pompey are building for the future. Who is Luke Brooke-Smith? The 18-year-old is predominantly an attacking midfielder but is capable of playing out wide. Brooke-Smith made his international debut last year just before representing the U20 side in the World Cup. The youngster began his career with Cambridge in 2023 before signing for Hamilton Wanderers a year later. That same season, he joined Wellington Phoenix, where he became the youngest New Zealand player to feature in the A-League. Luke Brooke-Smith’s A-League stats The 18-year-old is a very direct attacking player and is known for his pace. Brooke-Smith stands at 5ft8in, and despite his smaller stature, he has been a real outlet for Wellington Phoenix since he signed. The attacker certainly has the foundations to grow into a real talent. Portsmouth are building for the future with Brooke-Smith signing Pompey look to be continuing their transfer strategy this summer. Recruiting prospects from overseas is a risk, but the potential for reward is so much higher. While Brooke-Smith won’t be ready for the Championship, he is a player who has the potential to be a future star at Fratton Park. The South Coast outfit could decide to loan him out this season if they view him as ready for senior football in England. The physicality will be a lot greater in the EFL, but it could be a good test for the youngster to acclimatise to a different league. The 18-year-old looks to be another version of Adrian Segecic, who starred in his debut campaign for Mousinho’s side. The Australian also came from the A-League, and Portsmouth will be hoping the New Zealand prospect can follow in the footsteps of the attacking midfielder. The post Portsmouth nearing signing of 18-year-old New Zealand ace appeared first on The72 - Football League News.