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.
9. Matt Ritchie
Pompey thought a deal was unrealistic for Ritchie earlier in the summer and there were questions over his age, but there was a shift as the window progressed and a deal was sealed in the week building up to the season's start Photo: Portsmouth FC
10. Karamoko Dembele
Linked with a stack of clubs and an example of the type of player Pompey were looking to in an effort to raise their squad levels - but it was QPR who sealed a loan deal. Photo: Pete Norton/Getty Images
11. Paul Dummett
One which was on the backburner at the window's close but didn't fit the profile Pompey were looking at and a move for Ibane Bowat was sealed. | Getty Images
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12. Antony Evans
Talk at the player's end of Pompey interest early in the summer, but Blues put more distance between that chat. The attacking midfield eventually opted to join Huddersfield. | Getty Images | Getty Images