Free agents from the Championship have been regulars on the Fratton Park arrivals board each summer transfer window.
And despite a Blues shift in transfer strategy that will see young, up-and-coming players at their core of their recruitment drives, there’s recognition that experienced pros from the second tier can still add worth.
So who could potentially follow the likes of Marlon Pack and Joe Rafferty in swapping the Championship for League One with Pompey next term?
Of course, not all free agents will be within the Blues’ reach, but here’s those second-tier players who will be out of contract come the end of the season.
9. Huddersfield
Danny Ward, Florian Kamberi, Josh Koroma (above), Tomas Vaclik. One-year option: Josh Ruffels. Photo: Jason Brown
10. Hull City
Greg Docherty (above), Callum Elder. One-year option: Billy Chadwick, Vaughn Covil, Lewie Coyle, Alfie Jones, Tyler Smith. Photo: Charlotte Tattersall
11. Luton
Marvelous Nakamba, Cody Drameh, Ethan Horvath, Luke Berry (above), Gabriel Osho. Photo: David Rogers
12. Middlesbrough
Luke Daniels, Darnell Fisher, Jonny Howson, Tommy Smith, Stephen Walker. Photo: Stu Forster