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John Mousinho has been in charge of Pompey since January 2023 [Getty Images]
Can Portsmouth nail the summer transfer window?
They certainly did in John Mousinho and Richard Hughes' first summer together in 2023, constructing a squad that won promotion from League One.
Three of last season's first choice back four arrived in that summer. The past two years have been more of a mixed bag, with Championship survival requiring good January windows.
They still need to secure their own free agents. New deals have been offered to Zak Swanson and Connor Ogilvie but no announcements have been made. It is understood the club remain confident that both will be Pompey players again next season.
That would take the squad up to 25 senior players, effectively needing someone to leave for every player over the age of 21 coming in. Given there is plenty of strengthening required this is likely to mean a good few departures.
Terry Devlin was courted by Wrexham in January and there remains every chance Pompey's player of the season will be off. That move would boost Portsmouth's spending power. It will be interesting to see if Adrian Segecic's excellent end to the season attracts any suitors.
Ibane Bowat made some key contributions last season but was down the pecking order of centre-backs. He turns 24 in September and needs regular football. Jordan Williams has impressed at times at Fratton Park but also will want more league starts than he got last season.
Luke Le Roux had a difficult first season but may get another chance. Harvey Blair has so far failed to deliver on his undoubted potential. Makenzie Kirk needs a loan to get more opportunities. More ruthless moves might be required to make space.
In terms of additions there are clear priorities. Portsmouth never successfully replaced Matt Ritchie on the right wing, they must do this summer. A partner who compliments Ebou Adams is needed in midfield, although it would be naive to write off Marlon Pack making a number of contributions again.
Strikers are usually the hardest position to find but Pompey have to have one ready to start on the opening day if Colby Bishop cannot rediscover the form he showed prior to last season.
Sporting director Hughes has already said the return of last season's loanee Conor Chaplin is unlikely. It is understood the futures of loan wingers Millenic Alli and Gustavo Cabellero are most likely to lie away from Fratton Park.
Pompey fans love a returning former player but free agents Jed Wallace and Adam Webster are unlikely to join.
Abu Kamara has become the Ben Thompson for a new generation - a player who had an excellent loan spell but is probably destined for that to be the extent of their Pompey career. That won't stop his name constantly being brought up on social media.
Perhaps most crucially though it appears Portsmouth will hang on to their highly-rated head coach Mousinho. One day surely someone will poach him but Pompey fans are extremely relieved it is yet to happen.
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