Alex Robertson in: Portsmouth FC's dream XI for next season ft 5 realistic signings | OneFootball

John Mousinho's Portsmouth prepare for a huge campaign in the Championship.

Pompey enjoyed a fine 2023/24 season, as they won 28 of their 46 league games to see them finish as League One champions on an impressive 97 points. Under the guidance of young manager, John Mousinho, they looked real contenders for the title all season, but eventually wrapped it up with two games remaining.

It is hard to believe that a club the size of Portsmouth has been below the Championship for twelve years, but they finally return to the second tier next season and will certainly be looking to stay there.

Pompey's current squad looks solid after they dominated League One but, of course, the Championship is a whole new level, meaning they will have to strengthen this summer in order to give themselves the best chance of a strong finish.

With that in mind, Football League World suggests a dream starting XI for Portsmouth next season, including current stars and realistic additions.

GK: Will Norris

Will Norris played every single minute of Portsmouth's League One-winning campaign, so he certainly deserves to remain as their number one. The 30-year-old kept an incredible 19 clean sheets and conceded fewer goals than games played.

Portsmouth must be on the hunt for a back-up stopper after the departure of Matt Macey to Colchester United and the release of Ryan Schofield, but Norris should not be dropped.

RB: Jordan Williams

The first of five potential new signings for Portsmouth this summer, Jordan Williams would be a sensible option for the Hampshire side going into a big Championship campaign. The 24-year-old was recently released by League One Barnsley as they look to rebuild next season, but that does not take away from the fact he is a talented right-back with Championship experience.

Williams wore the captain's armband at Barnsley for the majority of the 2023/24 season, and played mostly at centre-back, but is more than capable of featuring as a right-back. He has over 70 Championship appearances under his belt and would provide versatility, intelligence and leadership to Pompey's defence.

CB: Sean Morrison

Portsmouth are low on numbers in defence, so they will need to reinforce, and Sean Morrison would be an experienced addition. The 33-year-old is departing Rotherham on a free this summer, where he has spent the last year battling for survival in the Championship, so he would be a bargain transfer for Pompey as they aim to remain in the second tier.

Before his Rotherham spell, Morrison made just shy of 300 appearances for Cardiff City, which included many in the Premier League, with the captain's armband around his arm.

CB: Conor Shaughnessy

Conor Shaughnessy was one of Portsmouth's stand-out performers last season and played a huge part in their solid defensive record, so should be one of the first names on the team sheet next season.

The Irishman signed for Pompey last summer and immediately became a vital asset to John Mousinho's side, starting 45 out of 46 League One games and scoring four goals.

LB: Connor Ogilvie

Many Portsmouth supporters may argue that left-back is a position that needs strenghtening, but based on his performances towards the end of this season, Connor Ogilvie deserves a chance to prove himself in the Championship.

The 28-year-old was key in getting Portsmouth over the line and clinching the League One title, and while he lacks Championship experience, he has shown he is capable of coming up against some top sides.

DM: Marlon Pack

Another ever-present in Mousinho's starting XI this season, Marlon Pack will once again be vital for Pompey next season in the Championship. The 33-year-old is the club captain of his boyhood club, and grabbed nine assists in League One last season from the centre of midfield.

DM: Alex Robertson

One of Portsmouth's main priorities this summer should be re-signing Alex Robertson on loan from Manchester City. The young midfielder spent the 2023/24 League One campaign on loan at Fratton Park and became a fan-favourite before his unfortunate season-ending injury.

It is a move that suits all parties, as a step up to the Championship with a club he is familiar with will do Robertson's development the world of good.

RW: Jesurun Rak-Sakyi

It is fairly likely that Norwich City will keep hold of Abu Kamara next season rather than loan him back out to Pompey, so the club should turn their focus to Jesurun Rak-Sakyi. It has already been reported that they are keen on signing the 21-year-old, and this would be a superb move.

The Crystal Palace youngster has already proved his worth in the EFL after a stunning spell with Charlton Athletic in League One, so a loan move to the Championship would be perfect for him at this stage of his career. He is exactly what Portsmouth need in terms of an Abu Kamara alternative, as he is incredibly dangerous when cutting onto his left-foot off the right wing.

AM: Karamoko Dembele

Another young, exciting addition to Portsmouth's attack next season would be 21-year-old, Karamoko Dembele. The attacking midfielder enjoyed a sublime season on loan at Blackpool last season, and is likely to receive plenty of interest this summer.

It remains to be seen if his parent club, Brest, will wish to keep him around next season, but he previously struggled for regular football there, so a return to the EFL could suit him best. His eight goals and 13 assists in League One this season suggests he is capable of stepping up to the Championship.

LW: Paddy Lane

Paddy Lane was another of Portsmouth's most valuable players last season and is very deserving of a place in the starting 11 in the Championship next season. He scored 12 goals and assisted seven in League One this season and was impactful on both wings.

The 23-year-old has never played as high as the Championship, so he will be excited to make the step up.

ST: Colby Bishop

Colby Bishop will be one of the first names on the teamsheet next season, and rightfully so. The striker scored 21 goals this season and 20 goals last season, and despite never playing in the second tier, he has certainly shown why he is capable of making the big step-up.