And with just four new arrivals through the door to date at Fratton Park, there’s plenty of work still to do transfer-wise – with the Blues’ forward department looking threadbare, to say the least.
Hopefully, we’ll see a few additions made between now and the season-opener against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, July 30.
But if not, how would the Pompey starting XI and bench look if only players currently contracted to the club were available?
Here’s how we think that line-up would look...
17. Jayden Reid - sub 6
The winger suffered a season-ending injury this time last year in a pre-season friendly at Luton. Twelve months on, and the injury doesn't appear to have impacted Reid's ability. He'll be putting pressure on Harness, Jacobs and Curtis if they don't deliver. Also fancies himself as a centre-forward. Picture: Rogan/Fever Pitch Photo: Rogan
18. Reeco Hackett - sub 7
Like Hume, injury has impacted his game time recently. Is on the road to recovery, though. And his availability can't come quick enough given Pompey's problems in the final third. This season is a real opportunity for Hackett to kick on at Fratton Park. Photo: Jason Brown