Who will be sold in Portsmouth’s summer fire sale?

Portsmouth as we all know are now relegated from the Premier Leaguue but still have the chance of FA Cup glory against Chelsea in next month’s FA Cup final.

The likelihood of any of their players still being at Pompey next season is slim.

Finances

The clubs financial difficulties have been well documented and this summer they will have to cut their wage bill down to Championship levels.

That means the few players who are contracted to the club are likely to leave to reduce the still massive wage bill.

Loan

The vast majority of Portsmouth’s best players are only on loan at the club. They will return to their parent clubs this summer. Their star players such as Jamie O’Hara, Frederic Piquionne and Hassan Yebda are likely to find new clubs this summer.

Hope

The Portsmouth squad have a few experienced players who are likely to want a few lingering years in the Premier League. England goalkeeper David James is likely to move this summer. He was linked with a move to Stoke in the January transfer window. His wages are also high and Pompey will have to sell him.

Midfielder Papa Bouba Diop is 32 and may be looking for a Premier League swansong next season. He still has plenty left in the tank and I’m sure a few Premier League sides would still take a risk on the giant Senegalese international.

Wanted

Some of Portsmouth’s permanent players have attracted interest from clubs elsewhere and not just in the Premier League.  Midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng has finally proved this season that he has something to offer in the Premier League.

The German struggled at Tottenham and his move to Pompey has proved a resounding success. I can’t see him sticking around at Portsmouth in the Championship and expect him to be on the move this summer. Boateng has attracted interest from clubs in the Bundesliga and a return to his homeland is probably likely this summer.

Irish ace Marc Wilson is believed to have been attracting interest from Aston Villa, Stoke City and Fulham. The 22 year-old only made his first debut two years ago but his versatility has proved vital for Pompey this season. Although when playing at centre-back he has received criticism he has also received praise while playing in central midfield.

Full-back Nadir Belhadj has proved a resounding success since his move to Fratton Park in 2008. The Algerian international can also play on the left-wing and has impressed teams on the continent. One of the teams who have expressed an interest in Belhadj is Serie A side Roma and he has also been linked with a surprise move to European champions Barcelona.

Nigerian forward John Utaka has attracted interest from Ligue One sides despite having struggled to perform for Pompey in recent times. He is still highly-rated in France after previously spending five years with Lens and Rennes. Utaka has blistering pace but is sometimes hindered by a lack of composure in front of goal.

Championship

Portsmouth will be well equipped for the Championship next season. Assuming they will stay the likes of Tommy Smith, Richard Hughes and Danny Webber all have a wealth of experience of playing at that level.

Webber and Smith have decent goalscoring records in the lower leagues. It may be harsh to say but a lot of Pompey’s player’s level is probably Championship level.

Comparison

Last summer Newcastle United was in a similar position, albeit in less financial trouble. However they had to sell lots of their players and cut their wage bill. Relegation to the Championship may help the club in the long-run. Newcastle are in a better position for cutting their wage bill and will be in the Premier League next season in far better shape.

Portsmouth’s relegation may bring everybody at the club back down to realistic levels of expectation and help the club progress. The overspending on high wages has crippled the club financially and hopefully over the summer the clubs finances will improve.

In a season or so maybe we will see a stronger Portsmouth emerge. An FA Cup final appearance this season is the reward for hardwork from the players and the fantastic support Portsmouth receives.