And that meant the Fratton Park lights were out well before Monday’s 11pm deadline.
The same couldn’t be said for the Blues’ League One rivals, though, with the majority involved in deals in some way or another.
Some interesting moves were completed as sides got their houses in order ahead of the second half of the season.
And it should make for a fascinating run-in, with plenty of football still to be played.
Here’s an run through of what Pompey’s counterparts got up to ahead of the January deadline.
1. Matt Smith - Arsenal to Charlton
The 20-year-old midfielder has made the move across the capital until the end of the season. He made 27 appearances and scored two goals while on loan at Swindon during the first half of the campaign. Just hours after Smith arrived, the Addicks allowed Marcus Maddison to leave on loan to Bolton. Picture: Jack Thomas/Getty Images Photo: Jack Thomas
2. Terry Taylor - Wolves to Burton
The 19-year-old midfielder agreed a two-and-a-half-year deal at the Brewers after moving for an undisclosed fee. Heading the other way, striker Charles Vernam joined Bradford for an undisclosed fee. Picture: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images Photo: Nathan Stirk
3. Max Clarke - Vitesse Arnhem to Hull
Hull re-signed the defender after he was release by Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem. He moves to the KCOM until the end of the season, having played 30 games previously for the club. Heading the other direction, winger Martin Samuelsen has joined Aalborg BK for the rest of the campaign. Picture: Matthew Lewis/Getty Images Photo: Matthew Lewis
4. Harry Pickering - Crewe to Blackburn
The 22-year-old defender has moved to Rovers for an undisclosed fee, signing a four-and-a-half-year contract, but will remain at Crewe for the remainder of the season. Picture: Pete Norton/Getty Images Photo: Pete Norton