It promises to be another summer of heavy recruitment for Pompey as they strive to bolster John Mousinho’s squad for the challenges of the Championship.
At the season’s end, 10 of the League One champions were released, among them first-team regulars Sean Raggett and Joe Rafferty.
However, of those remaining contracted players, the Blues may be tempted to let others depart during the summer transfer window, which opens on Friday.
That may be on loan or permanent, for development or surplus to requirements - the reasons can vary.
And here are six players we think who could be considered for summer moves from Fratton Park...
However, of those remaining contracted players, the Blues may be tempted to let others depart during the summer transfer window, which opens on Friday.
5. Gavin Whyte cont...
Gavin Whyte cont. 2/2 Still, with two years remaining on his Fratton Park contract, the Blues have a big decision to take over John Mousinho’s former team-mate as they head into the Championship. The question is whether the 28-year-old can regain his form sufficiently to challenge for a starting spot in the Championship - a level he never quite fired at during four years there with the Bluebirds. 2/2 | Jason Brown/ProSportsImagesPhoto: National World
6. Jack Sparkes
Recruited from Exeter on a free transfer, Sparkes undoubtedly exceeded expectations, establishing himself as an influential performer before Christmas. Identified as a back-up to Connor Ogilvie, his rival’s injury issues opened the door from September and the 23-year-old grasped it with both hands, producing a number of excellent attacking displays from left-back. Sparkes’ set-piece strength was also pivotal and, for a time, he was involved in plenty of Blues goals. However, his form dipped around Christmas and when Ogilvie returned to fitness he immediately reclaimed his place in the starting XI, coinciding with an upturn in form. Sparkes remained a squad regular, albeit primarily off the bench, although did turn in a superb defensive performance in March’s 1-0 victory at Peterborough to demonstrate his game has improved. 1/2 | National WorldPhoto: National World
7. Jack Sparkes cont...
Even if Ogilvie signs the tabled new deal, the Blues remain in the market for another left-back this summer as they strengthen for the Championship. Sparkes, who has 12 months remaining on his deal, could conceivably find himself third-choice left-back, raising questions about his Fratton Park future. 2/2 | National WorldPhoto: National World
8. Ben Stevenson
Knee ligament damage sustained in training in January ruled out the midfielder for most of the second half of the season at a time when the injuries were piling up. Certainly Stevenson would have had a chance of more first-team outings had he been fit during the subsequent long-term absences of Alex Robertson, Joe Morrell and Tom Lowery. As it was, the former Coventry man totalled 10 appearances, of which just one was a League One start, as he offered back-up service when available. 1/2 | National WorldPhoto: National World