It was the bewildering moment at the end of a day that had begun with big expectations but, ultimately, ended in frustration.
'Everton withdraw interest for Moussa Sissoko' proclaimed the banner running across the bottom of TV screens, when it had been apparent for some time that the Frenchman had fallen into Tottenham's arms and was waiting in his new club's shirt to tweet his allegiance.
In terms of taking a stand, it was nonsense. But in some ways, given the way the summer had unfolded, it seemed symbolic that the last major act in a window in which Everton wanted to spend like never before ended with a rejection.