Portsmouth’s two latest acquisitions, Marko Milovanovic and Daniel Bielica, are still awaiting official registration. Despite completed fees, contracts and medicals, a post‑Brexit work‑permit process can add one to three weeks of delay, highlighting the new bureaucratic hurdles in English football.

Key Takeaways

  • Transfer fees and personal terms are agreed; medicals cleared.
  • UK post‑Brexit work‑permit rules add a 1‑3 week processing window.
  • Portsmouth may need to use an Elite Significant Contribution (ESC) slot.

Portsmouth fans are growing restless as the club’s announced signings – Serbian striker Marko Milovanovic and Polish‑born goalkeeper Daniel Bielica – remain unsigned. All financial and contractual elements are settled, but the Football Association’s two‑step work‑permit system is holding up the final registration.

Historical Background

Since the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union on 31 January 2020, freedom of movement for EU citizens has ended. Any overseas player now requires a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) from the FA, followed by a Home Office International Sportsperson Visa. The points‑based GBE system demands a minimum of 15 points, calculated from league level, domestic minutes, and club finishing position.

Milovanovic (formerly of UD Almería) and Bielica (NAC Breda) fall short of the automatic elite criteria because neither has senior international caps. Consequently, Portsmouth must allocate one of its four ESC slots – a limited allowance for foreign talent that does not meet the baseline score.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that work‑permit delays can disrupt squad integration and preseason preparation, especially for clubs operating with tight budgets. Any further holdup could affect Portsmouth’s tactical plans and early‑season performance.

"The post‑Brexit permit regime has turned player acquisition into a multi‑month legal project for most Championship clubs," says a football governance expert.

Did You Know?

Did You Know?: The UK only allocates four ESC slots per season, and they do not roll over to the next campaign.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: When can Milovanovic and Bielica expect their work permits?
A1: The Home Office typically processes these visas within three weeks, so the players could be officially registered within the next 1‑3 weeks.

Q2: How much has Portsmouth invested in the two signings?
A2: The club has agreed to pay €3.5 million for Milovanovic and €600,000 for Bielica.