Three-year pact brings Odin Bailey back to Portsmouth

Three-year contract has secured 26‑year‑old midfielder Odin Bailey's return to Portsmouth in the Championship, satisfying his expressed desire to rejoin the club. The deal follows his free‑agent exit from League One Stockport after their play‑off final loss to Bolton Wanderers.

Bailey left Stockport at the end of last season, becoming a free agent after more than 100 league appearances for the Hatters. His departure came after helping Stockport win the League Two title in 2024.

He began his professional career with Birmingham City and made his senior debut in a 3‑0 Carabao Cup loss to Pompey in August 2019. That early encounter with Portsmouth left a lasting impression on the young midfielder.

"It's a club I've always looked out for," Bailey told BBC Radio Solent, adding that the club he debuted against made his return a proud moment for him and his family. He said the two biggest challenges during his free‑agent period were managing expectations and coping with the risk of injury, describing it as a massive learning curve.

Listeners can hear more of Bailey's interview and other Portsmouth content on BBC Sounds. The full conversation offers deeper insight into his move and ambitions.