Louie Barry and Joe Gelhardt sign – Rich Hughes’ Portsmouth transfer XI
Portsmouth will be keen on adding to their squad ahead of a second consecutive season in the Championship.
Pompey finished the season in positive fashion and avoided relegation back to League One with relative ease, with a five-game unbeaten run.
With that being said, John Mousinho will still be keen to improve his squad and build on the foundations built after maintaining survival in the second tier.
This is likely to see a number of faces come through the door at Fratton Park, with Pompey News now drawing up a starting line-up of potential transfers that Rich Hughes could make the upcoming window.
Sil Swinkels could replace Rob Atkinson at Portsmouth
There was so much good about the PO4 club last season, and it is fair to say that Nico Schmid played a huge part of the success.
Although that may be the case, a backup option to properly challenge the Austrian could make sense, with Ryan Allsop potentially available if Birmingham City are to land James Beadle on loan.
Ahead of the Englishman, Mousinho could welcome a number of free transfers with Ryan Fredericks, Nathan Ferguson and Brandon Williams all available for nothing this summer.
This trio could be joined by an Aston Villa loanee in the shape of Sil Swinkels, who is coming off the back of a positive loan spell in League One with Bristol Rovers, despite their unfortunate relegation.
These additions could certainly add depth and quality to the Pompey back line without breaking the bank.
Portsmouth could make Joe Gelhardt swoop at Leeds United
Midfield options are going to be one of the main priorities coming into the window for Hughes and Co. after losing Freddie Potts and Isaac Hayden at the end of their loan spells.
This could see a like-for-like replacement for the West Ham youngster come in, with Lewis Orford potentially set to come in on loan.
The 19-year-old could be joined by yet another free agent in James McCarthy who is without a club after departing Celtic in 2023.
Although he may be 34, there is no doubt that the defensive midfielder would add experience and a positive voice in the changing room, which could prove to be ideal for the younger players in the squad.
This pair could sit at the base of midfield and be joined by wantaway Leeds United ace Joe Gelhardt.
The 23-year-old is coming off the back of a loan spell with Hull City and is seemingly available for a cut-price deal after Daniel Farke’s side earned promotion.
With regular first-team football on the table, Mousinho may be able to tempt the versatile attacker into a move to the south coast.
Louie Barry could agree Portsmouth loan exit at Aston Villa
In forward areas, there is a general need for additional quality, and Pompey could find that with Barry and Davis Keillor-Dunn.
The Villa talent spent the second half of last season on loan at Hull but picked up a season-ending injury after just four appearances.
A switch to Fratton Park could hand the 21-year-old the opportunity to rediscover his Stockport County form, alongside a more experienced head like the Barnsley man.
Keillor-Dunn has had standout spells with both Barnsley and Mansfield in recent years, contributing to over 55 goals in just two seasons in League One.
| Stat (League One 24/25) | Louie Barry | Davis Keillor-Dunn |
| Appearances | 23 | 45 |
| Goals | 15 | 18 |
| Assists | 2 | 7 |
With the Tykes stuck in the third tier, there is every chance that a Championship switch to work under Mousinho could be appealing to the 27-year-old.
This could also be the case for Charlie Kelman, who is coming off the back of a 27-goal season on loan at Leyton Orient.
After never truly being given a chance at Queens Park Rangers, this summer could be the chance for him to move on, and a spot to compete with Colby Bishop could represent a perfect change.