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.
13. Abu Kamara - Norwich
Position: Starting right-winger Verdict: We might as well cut to the chase here, this is unlikely to happen but wouldn’t it be nice! The 20-year old came to life during the second half of the 2023-24 season at Pompey and is very much capable of making that step up in the Championship. Kamara already know the system and what John Mousinho requires. But, unfortunately, this one looks the most unlikely out of all the suggestions. Not impossible but unlikely. Estimated cost: Loan | Getty Images
14. Jesurun Rak-Sakyi - Crystal Palace
Position: Starting right-winger. Verdict: A player who could do with regular first-team football next season, signing Jesurun Rak-Sakyi could be a real statement of intent. The 21-year old registered 15 goals and eight assists on loan at Charlton during the 2022-23 season, also averaging 3.18 progressive runs per 90 and a 70.77% success rate for passes into the final third. He’s the sort of player who could get the Fratton Park crowd off their feet with his exciting direct approach. He’s quick with his feet, able to execute quality actions with both feet and has great agility to stop and start in different directions to make himself a real threat in 1v1 situations. Rak-Sakyi's quick in trying to win the ball back when possession is lost and is capable of being part of a high-pressing team with his strong athleticism. Estimated cost: Loan. | Getty Images
15. Micah Hamilton - Manchester City
Position: Starting/rotational left-winger. Verdict: Someone yet to taste a prolonged period of senior football, Micah Hamilton has been tearing it up for the Man City U-21s, where he’s even been made captain. He was linked with a loan move to Watford back in January and with a likley new contract on the horizon, the Premier league Champions could decide that now is the time to gain some valuable experience. Estimated cost: Loan, if offered new deal. | AFP via Getty Images
16. Martial Godo - Fulham
Position: Starting/rotational left-winger. Verdict: A player with rapid pace, Godo would offer a huge threat on the transition. He's ideal for games where Pompey will see less of the ball but can counter-attack with the likes of Rak-Sakyi & Godo waiting in the wings. He’s capable of playing on either side and is better when he holds width and can go 1v1 with the full-back rather than playing in the half-space. His goal output could improve from the four goals and three assists he registered on loan at Wigan this season, but there is a player with quality there. In terms of his off-the-ball output, Godo's capable of pressing high up the pitch and also dropping back to defend wide areas. When he intercepts in the defensive third he can use his pace and dribbling ability to progress further up the pitch. In situations where the Blues are defending the opposite flank, Godo should be encouraged to stay as high up as possible, where we can use him as our main transitional threat. Estimated cost: Loan. | Getty Images