The Blues sporting director is hoping Jacob Farrell’s Sydney FC loan can help secure a permanent move away from Fratton Park. A season-long move back to the A-League is seen as an opportunity for the left-back to perform well in regular first-team football to drive his permanent departure. The loan is intended for Jacob to play and put himself in good physical condition, while also demonstrating that he is fit and durable, which can hopefully give him an opportunity to display his abilities. Hughes said that Jacob will probably see his future away from the football club.

Portsmouth confirmed a loan return to Australia for Jacob Farrell with Sydney FC. Sydney FC revealed that the deal includes an option to make the move permanent next summer. Farrell will have 12 months left on his contract in Hampshire at the end of this season.

Sydney FC have signed Jacob Farrell on a season-long loan from EFL Championship club Portsmouth. The deal includes an option for a permanent transfer. Farrell is contracted to Portsmouth until 2028 and spent the second half of the 2025-26 campaign on loan at Western Sydney Wanderers.

Jacob Farrell is believed to have interest from the A-League. The 23-year-old Australian is a target for Sydney FC late in the transfer window, and the club is believed to be attempting to sign him on the deadline day. It is not yet known if Farrell’s exit from Fratton Park would be temporary or permanent, and John Mousinho’s team is willing to approve any form of departure. Pompey are looking to arrange Farrell's departure, and he has limited time to return to the A-League with Sydney FC. Mousinho revealed the defender was close to returning to training, which would then allow him to complete an exit, as his future is now away from Fratton Park. The head coach told The News last week that Jacob was still with them, was at the end stage of his rehab, was doing well, and was very close to training. Mousinho also stated to The News that they were still looking to loan the player out and that this would probably be the plan. He added that they had a couple of options, but he had not been fully aware of the details of that situation and would see where it was. Farrell, who has 8 caps for the Australia U23 team, joined Portsmouth in July 2024 and has a contract with the club until 2028. His current market value is estimated by Transfermarkt to be €450k.