The first indication that a new era was dawning was the sight of silver people carrier trundling down Finch Lane at 10.54am.
Inside was Donny van de Beek, en route to complete the formalities of his medical. Soon, in a separate car, he was joined by his girlfriend Estelle Bergkamp.
This being transfer deadline day, it was always going to be busy at Everton's training base. With respect to van de Beek, though, he was the most significant arrival. That honour belonged to the man whose car trundled through the gates at 11.