As the January transfer window lurches towards its finale, one seasoned football agent put it this way: 'There has been a lot of talking but not a lot of doing. If it wasn't for Newcastle United, it would be a damp squib.'
As ever, it arrived with hype and expectation but, with Covid, injuries, a lack of cash and the Africa Cup of Nations to consider, the reality is big business has been sporadic.
Title-chasing Manchester City and Liverpool are reluctant to make moves unless injuries kick in or a bargain arises, such as River Plate's Argentinian striker Julian Alvarez in City's case.