As the January transfer window comes to a close, it is not just the deals themselves that attract attention, it's the strategy behind them.
Whether it is the clear planning at Brighton, the big-spending approach at Chelsea, the focus at Manchester City or chaos at Manchester United, it seems everyone has an opinion on recruitment.
Steve Hitchen spent time as a scout at Liverpool, QPR and Derby but is chiefly known for his five years at Tottenham, where he earned huge respect after advancing to the technical director role, working to chairman Daniel Levy.
Hitchen left Spurs in February 2022 following the arrival of Fabio Paritici and has joined the established Unique Sports Group agency as director of football, which looks after numerous high-profile players including Chelsea skipper Reece James and Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon.