 In May 2012, Djilali was released from the club as his contract expired.On 16 August 2012, Djilali signed a one-month contract with League One side Portsmouth.He made his debut in a 1–1 draw with Bournemouth on the opening day of the League One season, but was released after just two weeks due to Portsmouth's tight wage budget, with manager Michael Appleton putting Djilali's release down to his lack of fitness.