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.
13. David James
Many believe him to be Pompey's finest keeper. The hall of famer joined for £1m from Manchester City and spent four memorable years at Fratton Park. Photo: Chris Ison
14. Jamal Lowe
Plucked from non-league Hampton & Richmond in 2017 and departed for Wigan for £2.5m a couple of years later. Photo: Joe Pepler
15. Dave Kemp
Part of a swap deal which took George Graham to Crystal Palace, Kemp bagged 32 goals in 64 third division games in a struggling side and then left for Carlisle for £75,000. Photo: None
16. Glen Johnson
One of the greatest right-backs to play for Pompey, Johnson played 97 times after signing for £4m in 2007 - left for Liverpool in a whopping £18.5m deal in 2009. Photo: Mike Hewitt