The priority will therefore be players under the age of 23 with the view of developing their games further, making the most of their hunger and hopefully making a sizeable profit on them later down the line.
This season, a number of up-and-coming players have featured regularly for Danny Cowley, with Gavin Bazunu, Hayden Carter and George Hirst the most notable contributors.
But how does the Blues’ use of such players compare to others in League One this season? Were Pompey less inclined to play younger players and more reliant on experienced campaigners? Or did the youthful members of the group get adequate chances to impress?
Based on minutes given to under-23 players over the course of the 2021-22 campaign, this is what we found.
9. Oxford United - 16th
Number of minutes: 10,427; Under-23s players: Luke McNally, Marcus McGuane, Herbie Kane, Nathan Holland. Photo: James Chance
10. Bolton - 15th
Number of minutes: 10,822; Under-23s players: James Trafford, George Johnston, Marlon Fossey, Liam Gordon, Adam Senior, Xavier Amaechi, Aaron Morley, George Thompson, Roman Darcy. Photo: Gareth Copley
11. Charlton - 14th
Number of minutes: 11,336; Under-23s players: Nathan Harness, Akin Famewo, Juan Familia-Castillo, Diallang Jaiyesimi, Ayodeji Elerewe, Albie Morgan, Jonathan Leko, Mason Burstow, Daniel Kanu. Photo: Jacques Feeney
12. Plymouth - 13th
Number of minutes: 11,803; Under-23s players: Michael Cooper, Steven Sessegnon, Ryan Law, Romoney Critchlow, Jordan Garrick, Alfie Lewis, Adam Randell, William Jenkins Davies, Luke Jephcott, Ryan Shirley. Photo: Harry Trump