Then there are others who have provided real value at a cost – or massively increased in standing in their time at Fratton Park.
You’ve been nominating your biggest Pompey bargains of all time – here’s who you came up with.
5. Paul Merson
The man who made the key difference to Harry Redknapp's Championship title winners in 2003 after joining on a free from Aston Villa. Photo: -
6. Mark Hateley
Joined from Coventry in 1983 and left for AC Milan in a £1m deal the following year as an England player. Photo: The News
7. Arjan de Zeeuw
Signed from Wigan on a free transfer in 2002 and was a key member of the Division One title-winning side. So dependable across three years at Fratton. Photo: Tony Marshall
8. Matt Taylor
'At least Dick Turpin had the decency to wear a mask' was the famous line from Joe Kinnear as Taylor signed from Luton for £400,000 in 2002. Made 203 appearances over six years. Photo: Steve Reid