West Ham star is loving Championship loan spell as he addresses Hammers future after Leeds United shock

West Ham player Freddie Potts has claimed that his loan spell with Portsmouth has been the highlight of his career so far. Speaking in the wake of Pompey’s shock 1-0 win over Championship leaders Leeds United, Potts discussed how he has found life in the Championship and what the future could hold.

Back in August, the Hammers confirmed Potts had made the move to Pompey on a season-long loan. He has since played 27 Championship games for Portsmouth, as John Mousinho’s side look on course to retain their place in the second tier following promotion from League One in 2024.

The Fratton Park outfit beat Leeds 1-0 on the south coast on Sunday, in a surprise result that puts Pompey 10 points above Derby County who occupy 22nd spot in the table.

What has Potts said about his time with Portsmouth

In an interview with our sister title The News, Potts opened up on his ‘love’ for Portsmouth. He said: “This season has been the highlight of my career. It’s opened my eyes to the level of the Championship and I feel I’ve really adapted to how quick and fast it is. The more you play men’s football, the more you adjust to it. I’ve played 27 games in the league now, so I’ve definitely adjusted and I’m getting better in every game.

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“I want to keep proving myself and enjoying it while I’m here. I love it here, I really do, I love playing here and the home games are special - they really are special. I can’t thank the fans enough for the support and it really, really helps.”

Potts looks ahead to next season

The West Ham midfielder is on his second loan stint away from the London Stadium having joined Wycombe Wanderers last season. He made 43 appearances for the Chairboys, scoring two goals and providing two assists. He has made just three senior appearances for West Ham, all of which have come in the Europa League and Europa Conference League.

Asked about where he sees himself next season, Potts said: “Honestly, wherever I am. I’m going to give my best. I’m still contracted at West Ham and have another year on my contract. So I’ll go back in for pre-season after a full season at Portsmouth which means I’ll be going in with valuable experience.

“It’s really good to have kickstarted my career and I’m looking forward to what’s ahead. Who knows what could happen? As long as I’m playing football I’ll be happy, but who knows what could happen in the future - I can’t say. The gaffer here is an excellent manager. He has great ideas and a positive way of playing football against the top teams. I’m just really enjoying my football under him and my football at the club.”

In other news, we have put together West Ham's dream XI for next season if the rumours are true - including Southampton and Lille signings.