Portsmouth chief addresses Zak Swanson's Fratton future as out-of-contract seven come under scrutiny
The deals of seven Blues players will expire this summer
Pompey are keen to resolve Zak Swanson’s Fratton Park future as attention turns to securing their best performers.
With the transfer window having closed, sporting director Rich Hughes insists focus is now on the seven Blues players whose deals are scheduled to expire at the season’s end.
That includes Swanson, Connor Ogilvie, Andre Dozzell, Marlon Pack, Jordan Archer, Reuben Swann and Toby Steward.
Swanson is enjoying his finest season in a Pompey shirt, having been switched to the unfamiliar role of left-back since November due to the squad’s ongoing injury problems.
The 25-year-old, who arrived on the south coast from Arsenal in July 2022, has now reached 104 appearances and five goals for the Blues.
However, with the club having taken up a 12-month option on the defender last summer, he will be out of contract once the 2025-26 campaign finishes.
‘There will be certain conversations we will be picking up’
Hughes told The News: ‘There were some ongoing conversations about player contracts, but I think there’s an honour among thieves that all things go on a holiday in January because everyone is doing other bits and pieces.
‘Now the window has closed, there will be certain conversations we’ll be picking up and seeing what we need to look at for the summer and where we want to build, where we want to strengthen, and where we want to retain.
‘That will be the next body of work which is ongoing at the minute. Absolutely that includes Zak, who has been excellent.
‘Left-back has really suited him, he has been really aggressive when he’s played in any of those defensive positions, even a little stint at centre-back. Zak is having a very solid, consistent season which is great to see.
‘He seems to have found a real rhythm by training regularly, playing regularly and affecting games - and absolutely we are looking at him.
‘There are a few to be assessed. It’s testament to some of the players that they are able to focus on football and focus on the here and now, with people they trust in the background able to have those conversations to the best of their abilities and make their best decisions to where they continue playing their football.’
Pompey’s longest-serving players out of contract
Pompey have 12-month options on Steward and Swann, while Archer is certain to leave, having not been given a squad number - or registered - this term.
Dozzell, who arrived on a one-year deal in August 2024, earned a 12-month extension at the end of last season after Pompey avoided relegation.
Meanwhile, long-serving pair Ogilvie and Pack both signed two-year deals in June 2024, following Pompey’s return to the Championship after being crowned League One champions.
As for Swanson, he was given a one-year contract in July 2024, albeit with a club 12-month option, which was activated for this current campaign.
Hughes added: ‘There’s a lot of talent in the group and, one of the frustrations we’ve felt this year, is we know where we are in the table, but we left some points out there earlier in the season.
‘We’ve got some really talented players in the group and there will be some we don’t want to venture away from Fratton Park - and we want to keep them here for an extended period of time again.’