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.
1. Collage Maker-28-Apr-2023-01-17-PM-1791.jpg
From left: Enda Stevens, James McClean, Josh Koroma and Tyler Walker Photo: Getty Images
2. Birmingham City
Maxime Colin, Harlee Dean, George Friend, Kevin Long. One-year options: Troy Deeney (above), Nico Gordon, Jordan Graham. Photo: Cameron Smith
3. Blackburn Rovers
Daniel Ayala, Ben Brereton Diaz. One-year options: Bradley Dack (above). Photo: Alex Livesey
4. Blackpool
Keshi Anderson, Stuart Moore, Curtis Nelson, Jordan Thorniley. One-year option: Rob Apter, Liam Bridcutt, Callum Connolly, Kenny Dougall, Luke Garbutt, CJ Hamilton, James Husband, Shayne Lavery (above), Chris Maxwell, Kevin Stewart, Matty Virtue. Photo: Shaun Botterill