Portsmouth defender Christian Burgess will be leaving the club in the summer to play in Belgium, according to Neil Allen for The News.
The 28-year-old has signed a pre-contract agreement ahead of a summer move to Belgium club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise on a three-year deal.
Portsmouth Defender Christian Burgess to Leave in the Summer
Burgess Available For the Playoffs?
Despite the move being close to completion, Pompey are hopeful that the defender can still be a part of the League One playoffs, which begin with a two-legged semi-final clash with Oxford United.
The News believes that the defender wants to remain and be a part of the playoffs. However, in order for that to happen, he will need to gain permission from his new club about securing a one-month extension.
Negotiations With the Belgian Club
Burgess has expressed his interest with Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, but the Belgian side are awaiting assurances.
For example, if the defender is injured during his time at Pompey could then impact his new club. As a result, the League One side are required to take sizeable insurance out on the defender.
Out of Contract Players at Portsmouth
It had looked likely for some time that Burgess would leave in the summer. The defender, who joined Portsmouth from Peterborough United in 2015, has gone on to make over 200 appearances for the club.
Pompey have a similar problem with defensive partner Sean Raggett. The on-loan Norwich City defender will see his loan deal end at the end of the month, but his Canaries contract also expires this summer.
However, yesterday the club extended their loan deals with Rangers and Barnsley respectively for Ross McCrorie and Cameron McGheehan.
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