Lincoln City moved on from reported summer target Tyrese Shade, but the Burton Albion forward completed a deadline-day move to Championship rivals Portsmouth.
The Imps had been strongly linked with Shade during the latter stages of the window, with reports suggesting Burton rejected bids worth around £2 million. City ultimately strengthened their attacking options by bringing Chiedozie Ogbene to Sicnil Bank on loan from Ipswich Town, while Shade remained with the Brewers until the final hours of the window.
Portsmouth have confirmed that the 26-year-old has signed a three-year contract at Fratton Park. The fee is officially undisclosed, although it is understood that Pompey will pay an initial £1.8 million, potentially rising to £2.2 million through add-ons.
Shade was Portsmouth’s 12th arrival of the summer and their second on deadline day, following Brentford defender Jayden Meghoma. Confirmation of the deal arrived after the 11 pm deadline, with the necessary paperwork having been submitted before the window closed.
The St Kitts and Nevis international joined Burton from Eastleigh last summer after scoring 14 goals during the 2024/25 National League campaign. He followed that with another 14 goals in all competitions for the Brewers, nine of which came in League One, despite their difficult season.
Shade began his senior career with Solihull Moors before spending five years at Leicester City. He gained EFL experience during a loan spell with Walsall and later made more than 70 appearances for Swindon Town. A loan return to Solihull preceded his move to Eastleigh, where his goals earned him another opportunity in the Football League.
The attacker had missed Burton’s opening three games of the new season amid continued speculation about his future, but returned as a substitute during Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Notts County. He could now make his Portsmouth debut against Cardiff City at Fratton Park this weekend.
Pompey head coach John Mousinho believes Shade is capable of making the step into the Championship.
“We’re thrilled to add another player to our forward line and Tyrese has the ability to really get fans off their seats.
“We’ve brought someone in who we feel can have a positive impact in the Championship and I’m excited to start working with him.”
City’s interest ultimately came to nothing, but the arrival of Ogbene gave Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw a proven Championship alternative before the window closed. Shade will now attempt to establish himself at the same level with one of our divisional rivals.
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