Out of the seven who arrived at Fratton Park last season, perhaps only Miguel Azeez, Gassan Ahadme and Tyler Walker didn’t live up to expectations.
However, Gavin Bazunu, Hayden Carter and George Hirst left a lasting impression in royal blue, while Mahlon Romeo’s form dipped after an electric start to life on the south coast.
As a result, Danny Cowley will be searching for replacements for those who are set to return to their parent club.
He hasn’t given up hope on bringing the Blackburn and Leicester figures back to the club – but if his pursuit returns empty who could he look to sign?
Here’s who had similar seasons to the Blues’ loan contingent using WhoScored.com’s stats.
5. Daniel Ballard - Arsenal
Cowley's history with developing Arsenal players such as Emile Smith Rowe and Miguel Azeez could see him clinch the loan signing of Ballard. The Northern Ireland international came of age in the Championship next season and could replicate his League One promotion from his Blackpool spell in 2020-21 at Fratton Park. Picture: Jacques Feeney/Getty Images Photo: Jacques Feeney
6. Sepp van den Berg - Liverpool (Centre-back)
The centre-back enjoyed a loan spell away from Anfield at Preston last year and recorded similar stats to Carter. Although his tackles per league game were lower (1.9 to 2.1), he recorded a higher number of average clearances (3.2 to 2.7). Picture: Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images Photo: Charlotte Tattersall
7. Jack Rudoni - AFC Wimbledon (Forward)
The 20-year-old came of age last season and scored 12 league goals (one less than Hirst) despite the Wombles relegation. With AFC Wimbledon in League Two next season, he may be looking to remain in the third tier - but may not come cheap. Picture: James Chance/Getty Images Photo: James Chance
8. Conor Washington - Free agent
Despite also scoring 12 league goals last season, the experienced striker was released by Charlton. Washington has proven he can still score goals in League One and may be a cost effective solution to Pompey's lack of strikers. Picture: Jacques Feeney/Getty Images) Photo: Jacques Feeney