Free agents, loanees and the potential return of a familiar face - assessing Portsmouth's summer centre-back conundrum

Christian Burgess’ switch to Royale Union Saint-Gilloise is now official, despite it being known for weeks he’d be joining the Belgium outfit after the League One play-offs.

The fans’ favourite leaves Fratton Park after what’s arguably been his best campaign in terms of his own performances, culminating in being crowned The News/ Sports Mail Player of the Season.

However, Burgess leaves a berth in Kenny Jackett's defence that now needs replacing.

And with Sean Raggett returning to parent-club Norwich, it means two fresh faces will potentially be required.

We’ve taken a look at Pompey's current options and how they might go about their summer business...

The current options

Pompey presently have two senior centre-halves remaining under contract.

This time last year, Paul Downing was preparing to be first choice in the heart of the Blues’ defence after arriving from Blackburn.

But despite signing a three-year deal, the ex-Doncaster man swiftly fell down the pecking order and didn’t make a league appearance after September 17.

In normal circumstances, you'd have expected Downing to depart this summer. However, the financial ramifications of the Covid-19 outbreak will make that difficult.

The 28-year-old is on decent wages and it’s understood that’s partly why he was unable to find a loan club in January.

Then there’s Jack Whatmough, who’s now preparing for arguably the biggest season of his career.

The Gosport lad is coming back from a third serious knee injury and must prove his fitness with a year left on his deal.

Meanwhile, Tom Naylor can play centre-back, while James Bolton also featured in the role on occasions but neither are specialists.

The potential return of Raggett

What a turnaround of fortunes the Norwich loanee went through at Fratton Park.

During the early stages of his Pompey career, Sean Raggett looked unassured and tentative, with sections of supporters unsure if he’d ever fully convince.

There were mitigating circumstances, however, given he was finding his rhythm after two ankle injuries the previous campaign.

Slowly but surely the ex-Lincoln man became more assertive as his partnership with Christian Burgess blossomed.

And when fans were panicking when there was doubt he'd be involved in the play-offs, it underlined just how much he improved.

A true rags-to-riches story.

Over the two legs, Raggett was one of the Blues’ best performers – like he had been throughout the second half of the campaign.

Jackett’s admitted he'd be interested in bringing the 26-year-old back permanently this summer.

Raggett is out of contract at Norwich, but they hold the option for a further 12 months and that could scupper a deal.

Free agents

It’s a market that clubs will look to scour more than ever this summer given the financial climate.

There always seems to be a raft of centre-backs who are available for nothing each summer.

Twelve months ago, Pompey tried to sign Tom Lockyer before he left Bristol Rovers for Charlton.

The Blues were also linked with Jordan Willis and Ryan Tafazoli, who joined Sunderland and Hull respectively.

This year is no different. Players who performed in League One this campaign who could be snapped up on a free include Bailey Wright (Sunderland, on loan from Bristol City), Richard Nartey (Burton, on loan from Chelsea), Ben Heneghan (Blackpool, on loan from Sheffield United) and Max Ehmer (Gillingham) among others.

Then there are the those who are out of contract in the Championship in just a few weeks’ time such as Chey Dunkley (Wigan) and Naby Sarr (Charlton) that might be released.

Utilising loanees

With finances tight, bringing in players on a temporary basis will be key for plenty of League One clubs.

Raggett was the first loan centre-half at Pompey during Jackett’s reign and it won't be a surprise if another arrives this summer.

Pompey have Josh Knight on their radar, but the fact they missed out on promotion could scupper the chances.

The Leicester man has spent the past one-and-a-half campaigns at Peterborough in League One and may feel it's now time to test himself at a higher level.

Nevertheless, bringing in upcoming Premier League and Championship talents could prove an astute avenue to take.