The Blues have developed some sizable Championship assets now, while John Mousinho has indicated ‘significant figures’ will need to be spent if the club are to progress at the level.
So we’ve assessed five players who, for one reason or another, may well be best suited to moving on in the months ahead - and five who need to remain come the close of the summer window.
5. Regan Poole
It was Terry Devlin who got the individual Pompey accolades last term, but for much of the season it looked to be Regan Poole in the running for that recognition. The Wales international proved to an never-say-die pillar of consistency at the back, featuring in all but three Pompey games. Poole has now trademarked that full-length last-ditch block, in a season which showed him to be Pompey’s key central defender. | Simon Roe/ProSportsImages
6. Adrian Segečić
Along with Terry Devlin, it’s Adrian Segecic who looks to be Pompey most bankable asset this month. That’s after eight goal contributions in the final six games saw the 22-year-old’s stock absolutely soar along with his maiden Championship hat-trick. Is now the right time to cash in on the attacking asset, though? The reality is if someone stumps up £5m or so the answer is probably yes. But Segecic likely isn’t going to the World Cup, as he had to settle for a spot on Croatian standby list. That would have offered him the platform to build his value further, but with Conor Chaplin not returning next season he could now have a clear run at Pompey’s No10 role next season where his assets are best suited. Another campaign like he’s just had will really make the £200,000 signing a huge asset. | Graham Hunt
7. Makenzie Kirk
Makes sense for all concerned that the striker’s next move is one out on loan. The St Johnstone signing had limited Championship exposure last term, starting four league games with another 10 outings off the bench, There's definitely promise there, but the Northern Ireland under-21 international needs to continue the adjustment to English football - a League One loan move looks the ideal platform to do so. | Getty Images
8. Toby Steward
What a season it’s been for Toby Steward, as he enjoyed a flying campaign north of the border with St Johnstone. The academy graduate picked up team of the season plaudits in the Scottish Championship, as his team won the title - with plenty of highlights and a record for second-tier clean sheets along the way. Steward will join Pompey for pre-season, but it looks like another loan to continue his development - either in the SPL or League One. | Jason Brown/ProSportsImages