There was a smile on the face of the Manchester City chairman when he was asked how quickly subsequent transfers would be done. Khaldoon Al Mubarak had said that there will be more than one new arrival on top of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez, but any moves for players must be thrashed out with other clubs.
Not only do City have to deal with the selling club, but often that party is relying on others for their own plans. A bit like buying a house, chains are common and can go through smoothly or collapse at any moment.
As Txiki Begiristain and the recruitment team plot to improve what is already an excellent window, they will find some familiar faces as they come to do their business. Barcelona, where Begiristain enjoyed a successful career on and off the pitch, are likely to be prominent again.
