Portsmouth sporting director Richard Hughes has described the summer transfer window as one of the most challenging he has experienced, but insists he remains optimistic about the quality of the squad assembled ahead of what promises to be a demanding Championship campaign.

A bigger budget, a bolder approach

Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, Hughes confirmed that Portsmouth operated with a higher transfer budget this summer than in previous windows, with the club making 12 new signings across the course of the window. Most notably, up-front fees were paid for striker Marko Milovanovic and midfielder Rocco Shein, two acquisitions that Hughes indicated eclipsed the club's entire transfer spend from the summer before.

"I'm pleased with a lot of the work that's taken place," Hughes told BBC Radio Solent. "A big reflection is that it's been one of the more challenging windows that we've had, and that's been echoed across the market in terms of the challenges with recruitment to the Championship."

Some of the new arrivals have already made a positive impression at Fratton Park, though Hughes was candid about the fact that the group still needs time to gel. "I'm really looking forward to seeing where the group plays out to be once they get a bit more comfortable with each other and have played a few more games," he said. "Overall I'm really pleased with the work that we've done and the strength in depth that we've added to the group. I'm optimistic as to where we can go with this squad."

Departures proved costly and complicated

If the incomings offered reasons for encouragement, the outgoings presented Portsmouth with a more uncomfortable set of lessons. The club struggled to secure fees for players who were surplus to requirements under head coach John Mousinho, with two notable departures leaving Fratton Park without generating any transfer income.

Andre Dozzell departed earlier in the window for MLS club DC United on a free transfer. More pointed, however, was the exit of Luke Le Roux, who this week joined Belgian top-flight side Cercle Brugge, also without a fee. Portsmouth had paid £1m to sign the South Africa midfielder just last year, but Le Roux made only 14 league appearances before appearing to fall out of favour. The club announced a mutual agreement to terminate his contract at the start of September.

Hughes did not shy away from accepting responsibility for how the Le Roux situation unfolded. "With Luke's situation everyone will be right to point criticism towards myself, John and the recruitment department," he said. "It's one we have to take and we have to wear that. It was something that didn't work on our part and it didn't work for Luke on the pitch. We wanted to find a permanent solution for him to leave and that didn't present itself. We'll take the learnings from this and make sure that it doesn't happen again."

Wider market reflects Portsmouth's difficulties

Hughes's comments about the difficulty of the window appear to reflect a broader trend within the second tier. Clubs across the Championship found it harder than anticipated to move players on for fees this summer, compressing budgets and forcing some to release players they had hoped to sell. For Portsmouth, the failure to recoup any of the £1m invested in Le Roux will represent a material financial lesson as the club continues to establish itself at Championship level.

The focus at Fratton Park now turns to how quickly those 12 new faces can settle into Mousinho's system. With a demanding run of fixtures ahead, according to previous coverage on this site, the depth Hughes and his recruitment team have added across the squad may prove crucial in the months to come. Hughes, for his part, sounds certain that the foundations are in place. Whether the Championship table reflects that confidence by the winter break remains to be seen.

Frequently asked

How many signings did Portsmouth make in the summer 2026 transfer window?
Portsmouth made 12 new signings over the summer window, according to sporting director Richard Hughes speaking to BBC Radio Solent.
Why did Luke Le Roux leave Portsmouth?
Luke Le Roux left Portsmouth by mutual agreement after falling down the pecking order under head coach John Mousinho, having made only 14 league appearances. He joined Belgian top-flight club Cercle Brugge on a free transfer, despite Portsmouth having paid £1m for him the previous year.
Who is Portsmouth's sporting director?
Richard Hughes is Portsmouth's sporting director. He has been responsible for overseeing recruitment at Fratton Park and has spoken openly about both the successes and the shortcomings of the club's recent transfer activity.