Incredibly, a further 32 others were linked with a Fratton Park switch, who, ultimately, didn’t make the move to PO4.
We’ll never know if their arrivals might have changed the course of last season, with the Blues – under new head coach John Mousinho – eventually finishing eighth.
Nevertheless, it’s still interesting to see how each of these players’ seasons panned out and whether Pompey missed a trick.
Here’s what we discovered.
17. James Scott
Position: Striker. Did he go elsewhere? Joined Exeter for an undisclosed fee from Hull last summer. Season review: One goal in 15 appearances for the Grecians. Photo: Jacques Feeney
18. Matt Butcher
Position: Midfielder. Did he go elsewhere? Yes, left Accrington and joined Plymouth on a free transfer. Season review: Made 48 appearances in all competitions as Pilgrims won promotion back to the Championship. Photo: Tom Dulat
19. Alfie Rutherford
Position: Striker Did he go elsewhere? No. Stayed at non-league Dorking. Season review: Season was dramatically cut short last autumn with the striker undergoing heart surgery. Photo: Dave Haines 07708 405508
20. Sam Smith
Position: Striker. Did he go elsewhere? No. Stayed at Cambridge United. Season review: Scored 13 league goals as the U's retained their League One status. Is available on a free transfer this season, with the Blues once again linked. Photo: Pete Norton