True extent of work required in transfer market this summer
Another Pompey summer squad overhaul is expected after the 2022/23 season came to an end on Sunday.
The Blues have 13 players whose contracts are up this summer, and head coach John Mousinho is set to hold talks with them this week.
While a number of the squad could depart, sporting director Rich Hughes has detailed at least nine new arrivals are expected in this window.
But with only 13 men currently under contract beyond this term, where do the Blues need to recruit the most this summer?
We’ve broken down every position in the side to discover the true extent of the work which could be required in the transfer market.
Goalkeeper
The Blues currently have no first-team keepers contracted beyond this season.
It is expected that Josh Oluwayemi will have the option in his contract taken up by the club this summer.
Mousinho has made it clear he will also be looking to bring back Matt Macey, who spent the second half of the season at Fratton Park on loan from Luton.
Right-back
The Blues’ boss has made it clear that right-back is the only position which does not need strengthening.
Pompey have Joe Rafferty and Zak Swanson under contract, while Kieron Freeman is out of contract this summer and likely to depart.
Centre-back
Sean Raggett, Ryley Towler and Haji Mnoga are the contracted trio in the centre of defence.
Mousinho revealed the latter will be assessed during pre-season to determine what role he’ll play next term.
Clark Robertson looks set to depart Fratton Park, while the Blues’ boss admitted they could be open to bringing Di’Shon Bernard back on a permanent basis following a promising spell on loan from Manchester United.
He has insisted he would like four central defenders in his squad next season.
Left-back
Mousinho has insisted he is happy with his options at left-back, with Connor Ogilvie expected to have the option in his contract taken up by the club.
There is still much speculation, however, over the future of Denver Hume, who has started just once under the new head coach.
Should the ex-Sunderland man depart, it will be likely the Blues enter the market for a new left-back.
Liam Vincent is also an option after his impressive loan stay at National League South side Worthing.
Central midfield
The Blues are well stocked in the centre of the park, with Marlon Pack, Joe Morrell and Tom Lowery all contracted beyond this summer.
Louis Thompson, Ryan Tunnicliffe and Jay Mingi could depart when their contracts expire.
Should that be the case, Mousinho could be looking at as many as three new faces in midfield should he continue playing with three men in that area.
A decision on Harry Jewitt-White will also have to be made should Mousinho view him as a first-team regular.
Right wing
With Owen Dale returning to Blackpool at the end of his loan, Paddy Lane and Reeco Hackett remain the two options on the right.
Lane has impressed following his return from injury, while the latter has failed to make the last three matchday squads.
That has raised questions over his future as he heads into the final 12 months of his deal.
Mousinho has insisted he must strengthen his attacking threat on the wing in the summer.
Attacking midfield
Mousinho recently stated the number 10 role is one of the areas which will take priority in the window.
The Blues have struggled to cement a regular attacking midfielder, with Michael Jacobs, Joe Pigott and Hackett all sharing the responsibility throughout the campaign.
The need for more pace, creativity and firepower in attack is a must, with Colby Bishop in need of more service up front.
Pompey-born Tommy Leigh has been heavily linked with a move in recent weeks, with present club Accrington relegated to League Two.
Left wing
Jacobs has been Mousinho’s go-to man on the left in recent weeks following Ronan Curtis’ season-ending knee injury.
The former Wigan man, though,isuncertainabouthis future with his contract coming to an end in the summer.
Lane has also appeared on the left since his arrival from Fleetwood.
It remains to be seen whether Curtis will be handed fresh terms, with his ACL issue keeping him sidelined until December.
Should the pair depart, two new left wingers will need to be recruited, with Gavin Whyte recently linked.
Striker
Bishop remains the only striker contracted at Fratton Park beyond this season.
Pigott and Dane Scarlett will head back to Ipswich and Spurs respectively at the end of their loans.
After netting 20 league goals this term, Pompey are braced for interest in Bishop but are confident he will stay.
With the Fratton faithful calling for additional attacking threat, Mousinho will be in the market for new faces to give the 26-year-old more competition in attack.