Jesper Ceesay: Portsmouth attemps to sign midfielder fall through

Portsmouth’s attempts to sign Gambia midfielder Jesper Ceesay have fallen through after the player was denied a governing body endorsement (GBE) visa by the FA.

The 24-year-old, who plays for Turkish side Antalyaspor, was a summer target for Pompey as they looked to bolster their midfield, but a technicality left them unable to complete the transfer.

The FA issues a GBE to players from abroad with a 15-point threshold and clubs are then allowed four ‘elite significant contribution’ (ESC) slots for players who are not granted this endorsement.

Pompey were hopeful Ceesay would qualify for a full GBE but the FA’s reclassification of the Turkish top-flight league means he falls short of that threshold.

“That (transfer) is not one that we’re going to be able to do,” Pompey boss John Mousinho told BBC Radio Solent.

“It’s because of the reclassification of the Turkish league by the FA. It’s frustrating as that change came in July and the points that you accumulate from previously playing in a top league are no longer valid unfortunately.”

Portsmouth’s four ESC slots are currently full and Ceesay would not be eligible for one because players must be 23 and under as part of the criteria.