Owen Moxon: Carlisle United star seals Portsmouth move

The deal for the midfielder has been confirmed by the clubs on transfer deadline day.

Portsmouth have paid the Cumbrians an undisclosed fee for the 26-year-old and handed him a three-and-a-half year deal.

And United said it was in the club's best interests to allow Moxon to leave and secure a fee rather than see him leave for nothing when his contract ran out in the summer.

Manager Paul Simpson, speaking on the club website, said: “With the situation we’re in with Owen saying he wasn’t prepared to sign a new contract, we felt it was best for all parties that he moves on now.

“Owen believes this is the best opportunity for him and we have reluctantly accepted the offer for him.

But he was made for the royal blue.

✍️ Welcome to #Pompey, @owenmoxonn!

— Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) February 1, 2024

“He played an important part in our promotion last season, and I’d like to thank Owen for everything he’s done and wish him all the best in the future.”

Chief executive Nigel Clibbens added: “Owen’s contract was due to expire at the end of the season so it was in the best interests of all parties that he was allowed to leave in this window.

“The transfer fee that we will receive by doing this deal now, compared with nothing in the summer, makes sense for the club and means we can reinvest.

“As a key member of the promotion-winning team, his place in the club’s recent history is secured and I’m sure all fans will remember what he did for the club and wish him well.”

Moxon, pictured in action against Portsmouth this season, has now made the move to Fratton Park (Image: Barbara Abbott)

Portsmouth have spoken of their delight at bringing in the Denton Holme favourite.

Manager John Mousinho said: “Owen is a strong and powerful midfielder, who was one of the stand-out players in League Two last season.

“He’s managed to kick on again during the current campaign and has been one of Carlisle’s better performers.

“Owen has an eye for goal and takes a very good set-piece. He’s mobile and knows how to handle the ball, so we’re excited to have him at Pompey.”

Moxon leaves United after 82 appearances and nine goals, following his move from Annan Athletic in the summer of 2022.

The midfielder was on Carlisle's books as a youngster and, after being released at 16, worked his way back via Queen of the South and then a successful stint at Annan under Peter Murphy.

He won multiple player of the year awards and was named in League Two's team of the 2022/23 season as he helped inspire his home-city club to promotion.

He has been a mainstay of the side in the third tier this term, making 28 appearances and scoring three goals.

His new club are Carlisle's next Brunton Park opponents with Portsmouth the visitors on February 10. It has not yet been confirmed whether there is any agreement that would prevent Moxon from playing in that game.