Newcastle United fans were delighted to see Sandro Tonali officially announced after a whirlwind fortnight for the Italy international.
Tonali's signing is likely to be followed by more exciting signings after Eddie Howe delivered on his pledge to bring in a "marquee" arrival this summer. Newcastle were not exactly pushing on an open door with Tonali with the midfielder not looking to leave AC Milan.
It's why a long list of interested clubs had moved on from Tonali with Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool all keen on the star at one stage. But they did not think Tonali was for sale...
READ MORE: Newcastle United have signed more than just a number 6 from AC Milan
That Newcastle bravely pushed for the deal before showing that they were serious on the midfield lynchpin's signature, underlines the intent behind the scenes on Tyneside. Sporting director Dan Ashworth went above and beyond to get Tonali by jetting to AC Milan's doorstep to complete the deal last week.
In landing Tonali, Newcastle have set the tone for a summer in which they are considering signing a full-back, a centre-half and another forward. Remember, Howe's team does not need major surgery after finishing fourth last season.
But a few quality tweaks are in the offing and the need to bring an extra layer of depth was always in the pipeline. With a clutch of departures also likely, Newcastle might get towards the end of the window and still spring a surprise or two if the right player becomes available.
For Howe and the club's ambitious board it was always going to be about building a squad capable of putting pressure on the more traditional Premier League top six. Last season Newcastle managed to muscle in and break up the establishment in the top-flight and the Prem's top dogs didn't like it.
Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur were left rattled, Liverpool had to accept the Europa League and even Manchester United could only yield one point from six against the Magpies. Next season all of those sides will be back with even more of a point to prove.
And that's why Newcastle are looking to sign quality not quantity. If Tonali is a taste of things to come from United this could be an interesting old summer.
