Pompey are in need of reinforcing as they head into the Championship next season.
Their decision to part ways with six first-team squad members at the end of last term made sure of that. Although, the need to strengthen their lot naturally is a requirement as the Blues make the step up to the second tier of English football.
There’s been plenty of transfer speculation doing the rounds ever since John Mousinho’s Blues lifted the League One title. But as is always the case, some of the rumours will prove wholly incorrect, while others will stand up to closer inspection.
Neverthless, at this moment in time, there’s nothing in terms of actual signings as the Fratton Park club wait until the transfer window officially opens next week before revealing anything they’ve been working on.
Understandably, work is going on behind the scenes as sporting director Rich Hughes looks to fill the gaps in the Pompey squad. But what exactly are the Blues’ priorities this summer and who should be coming under their radar?
Well, we’ve enlisted the help of PFSA Level 2 technical scout & performance analyst, plus social media influencer and Pompey fan, @SonStats to find out. Here’s his recommendations for the 11 roles the Blues need to fill before the transfer window closes at 11pm on August 30.
9. Antony Evans - Bristol Rovers
Position: Starting advanced/box-to-box midfielder. Verdict: A player who has already been linked with the club, Antony Evans has come off the back of a very good season, where he registered eight goals & seven assists for Bristol Rovers. They won’t want to let him go on the cheap, but with a year remaining on his deal, Pompey could look to negotiate a deal to bring the 25-year old Scouser to the south coast. Estimated cost: £350k - £400K. | Getty Images
10. Alex Robertson - Manchester City
Position: Starting advanced/box-to-box midfielder Verdict: An exciting & dynamic attacking midfielder capable of playing as an advanced 8 and as a №10. A player who excels in pockets of space, Robertson has all the tools to succeed in the Championship. The former Pompey loanee could actually be a better fit as the more advanced midfielder in the team, due to his ability to play under pressure - which will be key when up against high-pressing teams; his mobility - which will be essential for ball-progression from deep; and also his technical attributes, particularly with his passing and first touch. Robertson's off-the-ball work should be admired, along with his tackling, work rate and stamina. Estimated cost: Loan | National World
11. Shola Shoretire - Manchester United
Position: Rotational attacking midfielder Verdict: The 20-year old spent the second half of the 2022/23 season on loan at Bolton but hasn’t played any senior football this season. Despite this, there’s no doubt he has bags of potential that's waiting to be unleashed. Estimated cost: Loan (in talks over new Man Utd deal) | Manchester United via Getty Imag
12. John McAtee - Luton
Position: Rotational attacking midfielder. Verdict: A clinical and composed finisher with 13 goals for Barnsley while on loan this season, McAtee works best alongside a target/deep-lying forward who plays back to goal - a player Pompey possess in the form of Colby Bishop. His ability to run in behind from flick ons, off the ball movement and awareness of space makes him a dangerous threat in the final third. What also stands out about McAtee is his work out of possession. He presses with sheer drive and determination, looking to chase down lost causes or put pressure on the opposition whenever the opportunity arises. He's the sort of player who could very much thrive at Fratton Park. Estimated cost: £275k - £450k. | Getty Images