of portsmouth Gustavo Caballero's situation is becoming increasingly complicated, and time is unlikely to please the Championship club.
The Paraguayan winger joined Portsmouth on loan from Santos earlier this year. Since then, several developments have pushed its value in one direction: upward.
The 24-year-old has since made 12 Championship appearances and scoring once. Despite being introduced as a right-sided attacker, he has operated largely on the left wing. Then recognition came from Paraguay.
Caballero spoke recently He spoke positively about life in England, describing the Championship as intense and highly competitive.
Shortly after, the Paraguayan manager Gustavo Alfaro publicly praised the wingerRevealing that he had just wanted to call her before going to Santos. Alfaro later described Caballero as one of the players currently taking an important "European step".
That praise has now translated into something much bigger.
World Cup call-up changed the picture
Gustavo Caballero has been officially included in Paraguay's squad for the 2026 World Cup.
This call-up represents the biggest moment of his career so far Creates a new challenge for Portsmouth.
As covered earlierThe English club recently allowed its special purchase option to expire. Under the original agreement, Portsmouth had a protected passage for permanent transfers worth approximately £4.25 million (€5 million).
Instead, they now find themselves trying to negotiate from a much weaker position.
According to the report of RTI game In Brazil, Santos are monitoring the situation closely and believe the World Cup could significantly increase Caballero's market value.
The Brazilian club does not seem to be in a hurry to take a decision on his future. Although a return to Santos has not been completely ruled out, there remains hope that the winger could become the subject of fresh transfer interest after the tournament.
Santos waits as the market heats up
This raises an obvious concern for Portsmouth. Reports from South America have already suggested that other Championship clubs and sides in Scotland are monitoring Caballero's situation following the expiry of Portsmouth's special clause.
Now comes the World Cup factor. Even Paraguay's limited participation would put Caballero in a bigger shop than any available in the championship.
Santos are reportedly aware of this and are ready to assess the market after the tournament is over.
The club purchased 50% of Caballero's rights from Nacional in 2025 for approximately £1.2m (€1.6m). A successful World Cup campaign will strengthen their chances of making substantial gains.
Portsmouth therefore had a fixed-price route to a permanent deal. That protection is gone. Now they have to see their player go to the World Cup while also hoping his value doesn't rise faster than their ability to bring him back permanently.
