But as we wait for number 23 to arrive, with Josh Griffiths edging closer to a Fratton Park switch, we’ve decided to take a look back at the players the Blues manager has turned to in a bid to achieve success on the south coast – and offered an opinion on whether they are or have been a hit or a miss.
Here’s the judgement we’ve made, with emergency keeper Jake Eastwood not included given the very brief period he spent on loan from Sheffield United.
13. Jay Mingi
Like Liam Vincent, Mingi was signed with an eye on the future. After a successful loan spell at Maidenhead, he was back at Pompey in January to help ease the midfield pressure following Shaun Williams' back injury. The 21-year-old was a regular on the bench from March onwards. But although he made just two substitute appearances, the fact that he's earned another Pompey deal shows he's got something about him. Fans will be keen to see more of him next season.
Verdict: Hit. Photo: Paul Thompson
14. Jayden Reid
The young winger suffered a ruptured knee ligament injury against Luton in pre-season last summer, ruling him out of the 2021-22 season. Has signed a new contract with the Blues, though, so will be keen to impress and show fans what he can do. For now, though, he's a....
Verdict: Miss. Photo: Nigel Keene
15. Miguel Azeez
The Arsenal midfielder arrived at Fratton Park on loan with a reputation as one of the Gunners' most talented youngsters. Yet he was unable to show why everyone at the Emirates rates him so highly. Some would say he was never given the chance to showcase his ability properly, with just six Blues appearances to his name. They might be right, but he was a luxury the Blues couldn't afford to have.
Verdict: Miss. Photo: Graham Hunt
16. Denver Hume
Hume arrived from Sunderland for £200,000 in January as an example of the type of talent the Blues are prepared to pay money for. He's shown glimpse of what he can do from left wing-back but before a back injury ruled him out of the Blues' run-in, he was struggling to dislodged Connor Ogilvie from the starting line-up.
Verdict: Miss (for now). Photo: Portsmouth FC