Pompey have completed the signing of defender Ryley Towler from Bristol City for an undisclosed fee.
The 20-year-old centre-back has put pen to paper on a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Blues.
Sporting director Richard Hughes said: “We’re delighted to get the deal over the line and sign a player with the profile of Ryley.
“When it broke earlier in the day that we were interested in a deal, I’m sure there were a lot of clubs kicking themselves that they weren’t able to act sooner.
“Having someone with his skillset and ceiling to progress is great for this football club, so it’s nice to have him on board.
"When it broke earlier in the day that we were interested in a deal, I’m sure there were a lot of clubs kicking themselves that they weren’t able to act sooner."
“He’s a left-footed centre-back with good mobility and athleticism, as well as a lovely range of passing.
“Ryley is someone we’ve been watching and he’s had good experience out on loan, doing well at Grimsby and AFC Wimbledon.
“We think that this is a natural progression for him to continue his development and we believe the fans will enjoy watching that.”
Towler is a graduate of the Bristol City academy and made his Championship debut for the club last season.
He had a stint on loan with Grimsby last season and has spent the first half of the current campaign with AFC Wimbledon.
Towler came off the bench when the Dons drew 1-1 at Fratton Park in the Papa Johns Trophy back in November.
A message from our 🆕 man…
— Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) January 6, 2023
Welcome to #Pompey, @RyleyTowler 💙 pic.twitter.com/f53B5XuqGR