When he arrived at Hull City in January 2022, he came bearing free gifts for fans and the hope of a rapid return to the Premier League.
But more than three years after striding on to the pitch at the MKM Stadium as fireworks took off around him, the heat is now on for owner Acun Ilicali.
Having survived relegation last season by the tightest of margins and sacking their head coach, the Tigers were slapped with a transfer penalty amid fears for their finances.
Embargoes issued over outstanding transfer payments were lifted after those debts were settled, but a restriction that prevents the club from paying a fee for a player remains in place until the end of the summer 2026 transfer window.