It was the transfer window when spending by Premier League clubs went into uncharted territory.
Buoyed by the start of a record £6.7bn four-year domestic TV deal, and the extra revenue generated by newly expanded European club competitions, the top flight invested more than ever before this summer.
But while the unprecedented £3bn outlay, and the drama of a frenetic deadline day, undoubtedly fuels even more interest in the league, does it also raise concerns?
BBC Sport takes a closer look.
On Wednesday, Fifa hailed "the continuing expansion of international player mobility and the growing scale of the global transfer system", adding that England "consolidated its position as the leading global investor in talent".