Open for business: The key positions Portsmouth must urgently strengthen in transfer window

The summer transfer window is now officially open - and it needs to be a busy one for Pompey.

Following consecutive relegation battles, the Blues must demonstrate they are capable of progressing - a goal they have repeatedly talked about accomplishing.

However, the squad requires an overhaul, with only the goalkeeping and centre-half positions not in need of additions at present.

Elsewhere, though, the likelihood is Pompey require a total of between 10-12 new signings, dependent on players signing contracts and potential departures.

And here’s the squad work which needs to be carried out…

Right-back

Theoretically, it’s a strong position for Pompey, with Terry Devlin and Jordan Williams contracted, while Zak Swanson is negotiating a new deal.

However, the Blues fear they could lose Devlin this summer following an outstanding 2025-26 season. In January, a £2m bid from Wrexham was rejected - and the Red Dragons could well return along with other suitors.

The Blues remain quietly confident that Swanson will commit his future to Fratton Park by signing a fresh contract, yet there is always that danger the former Arsenal man may favour a new challenge after four years on the south coast. Besides, he’s currently injured anyway.

Meanwhile, Williams is in the final year of his deal and attracting interest. Despite having returned to the first-team for the final six matches, it was still a campaign of few first-team opportunities.

At this moment in time, there is no guarantee that at least two of them will be at Fratton Park for the start of the season. The reality is this strong position may now require strengthening.

NEED TO SIGN: One or two players

Left-back

Like Swanson, Pompey’s longest-serving player Connor Ogilvie is also negotiating a new contract. Unlike Swanson, however, left-back is a position worryingly short of options.

With Jacob Farrell totalling three appearances in two seasons and ending the campaign on loan at Western Sydney Wanderers nursing yet another injury, the Blues are likely to now admit defeat.

Irrespective of whether Ogilvie signs his new deal, Mousinho must bring in another left-back to add much-needed competition. In truth, not since 2023-24 with Jack Sparkes and Ogilvie on the books have there been consistent alternatives.

Of course, if Ogilvie does depart - and there is certainly no suggestion of that at present - then Pompey would need to sign two left-backs this summer.

NEED TO SIGN: One or two players

Central midfield

Pompey urgently need to overhaul their central midfield options this summer - tinkering simply isn’t an option.

While Marlon Pack has signed a new 12-month deal at the age of 35, Pompey must look for a midfield replacement who will feature on a more regular basis in the starting XI.

John Swift is viewed more of a number 10, Mark Kosznovszky is expected to be sidelined until December and Luke Le Roux is well out of the frame despite a late flurry of games last term.

At least Ebou Adams is there, a new fan favourite who was outstanding before injury effectively ended his season with eight matches remaining.

Pompey have indicated they want to keep Le Roux. Regardless, at least two central midfielders capable of influencing the first-team must be recruited - then they can battle it out with Adams for the two starting spots.

NEED TO SIGN: Two players

Wingers

A position with talent and options, but injuries continue to be a concern for those players currently on Pompey’s books.

Josh Murphy made 12 league appearances, Keshi Anderson featured seven times and Harvey Blair had 16 games. All were blighted by injury issues last term.

Even Franco Umeh, one for the future, participated just twice before being struck down by his problematic hamstring problem.

Adrian Segecic was the sole reliable selection option for Mousinho, but even then he was challenged with playing out of position on the right wing when his most effective position is surely as a 10.

Big decisions need to be made over whether to loan out Blair for regular first-team football to aid his development and what position best suits Segecic.

Get access to trustworthy local news for just £5 when you sign up for a digital subscription to The News

The likelihood is at least another two wingers need to be signed, particularly with such a shortage of candidates to play on the right. Maybe even three need recruiting.

NEED TO SIGN: Two or three players

Number 10

A position which Adrian Segecic must be given a run in, now Conor Chaplin has departed following the end of his loan.

However, if Mousinho prefers the Croatian under-21 international on the right wing, then there needs to be recruitment in the role this summer.

John Swift is another option and produced his best displays there last season, yet Pompey’s head coach doesn’t appear to be convinced about the former West Brom man being a long-term solution.

NEED TO SIGN: One player

Strikers

A priority position for Pompey to strengthen, with a new striker at the top of their wish-list this summer.

Bearing in mind Mousinho prefers to operate with a lone centre-forward, the Blues require an instant first-team starter to potentially take over the mantle from Colby Bishop.

With four goals from 43 matches last season, the League One title hero can no longer expect to be a regular starter. He also desperately needs competition, something lacking since Kusini Yengi in League One.

Makenzie Kirk needs to be sent out on loan to benefit from regular first-team football and Thomas Waddingham must steer clear from injury to offer a back-up alternative.

Realistically, however, at least two more centre-forwards need to be recruited this summer to prevent a repeat of last year’s scoring issues.

NEED TO SIGN: Two players

Your Next Pompey Read: Portsmouth chief's admission over £1.5m Fratton Park pitch project after final friendly switched to Darmstadt