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.
5. Carl Rushworth
Position: Goalkeeper Did he go elsewhere? Yes. Joined Lincoln on loan from Brighton. Season review: Featured 46 times for the Imps, recording 18 clean sheets. Photo: Bryn Lennon
6. Tom Bayliss
Position: Midfielder Did he go elsewhere? Left Preston and signed for Shrewsbury on a free transfer. Season review: Six goals and four assists in the league as the Shrews finished 12th. Photo: Pete Norton
7. Ethan Erhahon
Position: Midfield. Did he go elsewhere? Stayed at St Mirren but joined Lincoln for an undisclosed fee in January. Season review: Yet more strong showings for St Mirren saw the Scot earn January move to Imps, for whom he made 19 appearances during second half of season. Photo: Pete Norton
8. Toby Mullarkey
Position: Defender. Did he go elsewhere? Left non-league Altrincham to join League Two Rochdale for an undisclosed fee. Season review: Made 34 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice, as Rochdale were relegated from Football League. Photo: Pete Norton