Salary cap and squad number restrictions, coupled with the crippling costs of coronavirus, meant talks had been initiated with some of the 11 first-team players whose deals expire at the end of the season.
However, there was never any chance of that dialogue becoming more than just that – discussions – with pay cuts the only option realistically presented to players in that stage of negotiations.
The shackles have, of course, come off after an independent arbitration panel upheld a claim from the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) that the EFL was in breach of the constitution of the Professional Football Negotiating and Consultative Committee (PFNCC) by introducing squad salary caps.
That gives Pompey the freedom to re-enter talks at a level in keeping with player expectations.
Although, chief executive Mark Catlin has warned the Blues’ out-of-contract players that wage expectations must still be lowered as football continues to cope with the impact of Covid-19.
That remains a key factor in all negotiations, along with which division Pompey will be operating at come next season. Will manager Kenny Jackett still be around must also be taken into consideration.
It, therefore, means Pompey will continue to tread carefully and not rush into anything.
But where do their priorities lie? Who who will they be targeting first in their bid to resolve futures? And who might be told that no offer will be on the table regardless of finances?
Here, we take a look at each individual’s own situation and rank them in priority for Pompey.