His third window of the key to Danny’s
FORGET the disappointment of the season just gone – the main priority now is what Pompey can do in the weeks and months ahead to ensure they’re among the promotion pack next term.
That means focus centres entirely on transfers, with Blues boss Danny Cowley entering his third window as Fratton Park boss.
He’s always said it will take three windows for him to get his side to where he wants them to be.
Well, we’re at that stage now, so the pressure is well and truly on him and the powers that be a Fratton Park to get it right.
But when does the window officially open and end?
Here’s the answer to those key questions and others as Pompey supporters wait patiently for the drama to officially begin.
When does the 2022 summer transfer window open?
The transfer market opens officially on Friday, June 10, for all clubs and falls into line with international transfer regulations. Out-ofcontract players can move as free agents before the window opens.
The window opens 10 days before the Blues report back for pre-season training and 13 days prior to the release of the 2022-23 fixture list.
When is transfer deadline day? The window will close on Thursday, September 1, at 11pm, giving clubs 83 days to get their business done.
What deals can be done outside of the window? Out of contract players can move as free agents before the window opens in June. Clubs can also announce deals to sign players before the window officially opens – but they
cannot be fully ratified until the window opens.
Who have Pompey been linked with? Even at this early stage, it might be more appropriate to ask who have Pompey not been linked with?
Among the names The News understands to be legitimate targets are Matt Butcher, Aaron Collins, Will
Boyle, Kion Etete and Kyle Wootton.
A return for George Hirst is also a priority, as are attacking players with pace, power and athleticism.
Others linked with a summer move to Fratton Park include Cole Stockton, Kyle Joseph, Lynden Gooch, Luke MolyneuxandMorganWhittaker.
What’s Pompey’s finances like this summer? Chief executive Andy Cullen has already stated the Blues’ budget this term will remain ‘competitive’.
He also added that the Blues are ready to up their transfer spending to get the key additions Danny Cowley needs this summer.
Howmanynewfacescan we expect? Cowley wants to keep up to 17 members of the squad that finished the 202122 campaign.
And with the Pompey boss working to a squad size of 22, plus youngsters, that allows for at least five summer signings. That could be more, though, given the uncertainty around Marcus Harness’ future
Meanwhile, it remains to be seen if that figure of 17 can be reached.
Of the 12 players deemed out of contract on the final day of the season, only Harness and Thompson deals have been struck, taking Pompey’s existing senior numbers up to 12.