At present, the Blues have no senior front men registered going into next season, with last season’s attackers’ loans and deals expiring.
Aiden O’Brien has been offered fresh terms, while Danny Cowley is hoping to bring George Hirst back after his successful loan spell last term.
Nevertheless, the Fratton chief is still searching for reinforcements to boost his side’s promotion credentials in 2022-23.
This is nothing new for the club’s head coaches, though, as predecessor Kenny Jackett often reinvented his striking department in bid to return to the second tier.
Ultimately, his pursuit proved fruitless as his picks often failed to live up to expectations.
But who all have been signed since 2017? And how have they fared since they departed Fratton Park?
Here’s what we found out
9. Omar Bogle – signed from Cardiff (on loan)
Alongside Vaughan, Bogle was entrusted to fire Pompey to the Championship in January 2019 - but he couldn't do so. Since his loan ended in 2019, after scoring four goals in 14 outings, he's played for four clubs and currently finds himself at Hartlepool. The 29-year-old scored five goals in 22 appearances in all competitions for the Pools since his January arrival. Picture: Daniel Chesterton/phcimages.com Photo: Daniel Chesterton
10. John Marquis – signed from Doncaster Rovers
Kenny Jackett brought the striker to the club in 2019 after he scored 26 goals for Donny in 2018-19. However, the striker failed to match his prolific form and often frustrated supporters during the final months of his stay. After 36 goals in 121 appearances, he left for Lincoln in January, where he was released at the end of last season. Marquis is now a free agent. Picture: Stephen Flynn Photo: Stephen Flynn
11. Ellis Harrison – signed from Ipswich
Similarly to Marquis, Harrison arrived in 2019 and left in January 2022. Injuries and substitute appearances plagued his time at Pompey as he scored 20 goals across two-and-a-half years. The 28-year-old played a sizable part in Fleetwood’s League One survival last season by scoring six goals in 18 appearances. Picture: Stephen Flynn Photo: Stephen Flynn
12. Jordy Hiwula – Free agent
Hiwula joined Pompey in October 2020, and was a bit-part player throughout the 20-21 season. He scored three goals in 15 appearances and was released last summer. He then joined Doncaster where his struggles continued and Donny were relegated. Picture: Joe Pepler Photo: Joe Pepler