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.
13. Cambridge - 12th
Number of minutes: 12,649; Under-23s players: Jubril, Adesope Okedina, Sam Sherring, Jensen Weir, Lewis Simper, Jack Lancester, Ben Worman, Kai Yearn, Lorent Tolaj, Harvey Knibbs. Photo: Pete Norton
14. Gillingham - 11th
Number of minutes: 15,865; Under-23s players: Pontus Dahlberg, Jack Tucker, Robbie McKenzie, Conor Masterson, Harvey Lintott, Daniel Adshead, Daniel Phillips, Gerald Sithold, Bailey Akehurst, Joseph Gbode, Sam Gale, Thomas Dickson-Peters, Charlie Kelman. Photo: James Chance
15. Cheltenham - 10th
Number of minutes: 16,245; Under-23s players: Matthew Pollock, Lewis Freestone, Ben Williams, Ellis Chapman, Callum Wright, Elliott Bonds, Dylan Barkers, Aaron Ramsey, Dan N’Lundulu, George Lloyd, Elliot Brown, Kion Etete. Photo: Pete Norton
16. Fleetwood - 9th
Number of minutes: 17,233; Under-23s players: Darnell Johnson, Harrison Holgate, Dylan Boyle, Barry Baggley, Carl Johnston, Harvey Macadam, Daniel Butterworth, Gerard Garner, Shayden Morris, Paddy Lane, Cian Hayes. Photo: Pete Norton