Portsmouth has had a successful transfer window, but they need to be cautious about players departing before the market closes.
To the disappointment of its supporters, the Blues once again failed to make the playoffs. However, with a new season under John Mousinho and no league losses to yet, the team from the south will be difficult to beat this year.
However, many of their top players have contracts expiring in the upcoming year. Football League World examines who of the marquee players they might be losing.
Marlon Pack
Born and raised in Portsmouth, Pack has played a key role in the midfield since relocating there.
He’s a level above League One despite his age, and at 32, it wouldn’t make sense for either party to part ways.
Sean Raggett
In recent years, Raggett has developed a cult following at Fratton Park, but his restricted style of play may make Mousinho prefer someone who is better with the ball, which might mark the end of a successful four years for Raggett.
Connor Ogilvie
Ogilvie signed a two-year contract with Pompey that included a third-year option in 2021, which the team duly exercised during the summer at the end of the season. However, Ogilvie is now unquestionably in the final year of his contract.
Even though Jack Sparkes has played in every game, Ogilvie might stay; nevertheless, this will probably be up for debate at the end of the season.
Joe Morrell
Welsh international Morrell, who has struggled to make an impact at Portsmouth, was dismissed late last week when the Blues defeated Peterborough at home.
Although he has the benefit of a further year’s option on his contract, Pompey would be foolish to let the playmaker leave given his obvious talent.
Denver Hume
When he made his breakthrough at the Stadium of Light, Newcastle-born star Hume was a rising star for Sunderland, but his inconsistent playing time caused him to move south.
The left-back is still pining for those chances, though, as he only made two league starts past Christmas last year. Even if the club has the option to extend his contract, it doesn’t appear likely that he will accomplish them at Fratton Park.
Joe Rafferty
Rafferty, a graduate of the Liverpool youth academy, has excelled for Portsmouth this season after joining the team from Preston North End just over a year ago.
He has 30 matches under his belt for the south coast club, but it will be intriguing to see if he can hang onto his right-back spot at the conclusion of the season.
Ryan Schofield
Schofield was let go by Huddersfield Town at the end of the previous campaign, and he only signed for Portsea Island during the summer transfer window.
But Will Norris, who was brought in from Burnley in the summer, has taken Gavin Bazunu’s place as the goalkeeper at Fratton Park, not he. He might be leaving the bench if he isn’t content there.
Zak Swanson
Swansea left Arsenal to join Pompey at the beginning of last season, but the right-back has had trouble getting playing time. At only 22, he may decide to quit the club next summer in an effort to further his growth.
Again, the club has the option to extend; nevertheless, Swanson may suffer if Rafferty increases the amount of time he spends in the backline.