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.
13. Millwall
Jake Cooper, Danny McNamara, Scott Malone, Mason Bennett, Shaun Hutchinson, George Long, George Evans, Connal Trueman, Bartosz Bialkowski. Photo: Cameron Smith
14. Norwich
Sam Byram, Kieran Dowell, Onel Hernandez, Michael McGovern, Teemu Pukki, Danel Sinani. Photo: Pete Norton
15. Preston NE
Robbie Brady, Lewis Coulton, Greg Cunningham, Daniel Johnson, Matthew Olosunde, Josh Onomah. One-year option: Dana Amaral, Aaron Bennett, Harry Nevin, Ben Woodburn (above). Photo: Lewis Storey
16. QPR
Ody Alfa, Luke Amos, Jordan Archer, Leon Balogun, Chris Martin, Conor Masterson, Charlie Owens, Olamide Shodipo (above). One-year option: Chris Willock. Photo: Alex Burstow