In fact, the sheer volume of players touted for moves to Fratton Park was unprecedented - approaching the half century mark in total.
Now, after the transfer window’s close, we recount every single player who was touted for a move to PO4.
We looked back and give the inside track on which names had credence, which ones didn’t, what unfolded and where those players ended up.
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5. Bosun Lawal
Versatile and powerful Celtic man who impressed at Fleetwood last term. A move could well have been in the offing if Pompey had remained in League One, but doubts about him stepping up to the level weren't shared by Stoke who made the move for Lawal. | Getty Images | Getty Images
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6. Reece Cole
Exeter wide man was mentioned a couple of months ago, but never any credence in the talk. | CameraSport - David Horton
7. Jamal Lowe
Pompey fans pined for a Lowe return, but it was never a move which advanced. In the end, Sheffield Wednesday made the plunge in what would've been a substantial deal in terms of wages. | | Steve Ellis | Steve Ellis
8. Ibane Bowat
Pompey's deadline day capture as they spun a number of defensive plates, but Bowat was landed from Fulham in a £500,000 deal. | Portsmouth FC