Alexander Isak is finally a Liverpool player. That's the headline. That's the saga of the summer and that may well be the deal that commences not only more Anfield glory in the current campaign, but for years to come.
The Reds have been accused of not doing enough in the transfer window in the past. They welcomed a new manager in Arne Slot this time last summer and the only immediate arrival proved to be Federico Chiesa as doubts arrived over Richard Hughes' ability to get the job done. One year on, those doubts are laughable.
The Reds are in a better place than ever to repeat the dominance that Anfield has been unfortunate enough to watch elsewhere in the Premier League era. But, it must be said, they still need to find a way to make sure all their new pieces connect to form another title-winning machine, especially Isak and Hugo Ekitike.
The Haaland mistake that Liverpool must avoid
On paper, it is the ultimate position of luxury to have two of the world's best strikers at your disposal. Alas, things on the pitch are slightly different.
Unless managers are willing to sacrifice their systems and midfield numbers to have two strikers lead the line together, there's a high chance that one high-level forward will have to settle for a place on the bench or an unfamiliar role. And all it takes is one look at Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez to realise how that problem ends.
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The Citizens had the world at their feet for four straight years in the Premier League, with Haaland breaking record after record along the way. Left to watch on, however, was the talented Alvarez. In an ideal world, Pep Guardiola would have found a way for them to click together on the pitch, but it just did not come.
The duo combined for just eight goals in 63 games and Alvarez's compromise ultimately proved to be untenable as he departed to Atletico Madrid, becoming one of Europe's most impressive players. It should be seen as one of Guardiola's biggest regrets, given how they've struggled without the forward.
Whilst much of last season's struggles will be put down to Rodri's injury, and others that followed, there's no denying that City became over-reliant on Haaland for goals. The Norwegian did his job - scoring 34 goals in all competitions - but this time there was no Alvarez to swoop in when City's star suffered a rare off day.
League stats 24/25 Alvarez (Atletico) Jeremy Doku Savinho
Starts 30 16 21
Goals 17 3 1
Assists 4 6 8
Expected Goals 14.1 1.3 5
Had Guardiola compromised to find a place for Alvarez, things could have been different for Man City last season. Instead, it was Diego Simeone who benefitted from handing the Argentine 30 starts in La Liga.
It's not a problem that is going away anytime soon for City, either. This time, it's Omar Marmoush missing out. The Egyptian arrived in January and handed City an instant attacking boost - scoring seven goals in 16 Premier League games - yet has already found himself pushed out to the left-hand side this season and didn't start at all against Wolves.
Man City have inadvertently handed Liverpool the exact blueprint to avoid if they want to see both Ekitike and Isak thrive. Now, it's down to Slot to keep both strikers happy.
How Liverpool could line-up with Isak & Ekitike
Will Slot change his system? Will Ekitike be left to settle for a place on the bench? Or will one find themselves out wide? Those are the questions that only Liverpool can truly answer after the international break, but they've certainly got options to ensure that both players enjoy the game time that they deserve.
The easiest way here is to start Ekitike out wide. Unlike Alvarez, the Frenchman has featured in that role before arriving in the Premier League and is arguably a similar profile to Liverpool's current left-winger Cody Gakpo. Both are towering, physical figures who look to cut inside from the left using their skill and strength.
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The Gakpo mould is one that Ekitike should follow if he wants to enjoy his best form from that side. The Dutchman started his Liverpool career as a No.9, before Slot arrived and moved him to the left of the front three. Since then, he has thrived.
Nothing has to be permanent, either. Isak's injury history suggests that having a player like Ekitike available will prove to make all the difference for the Reds. In one move, Slot would be losing a world-class striker and replacing him with someone who has already stolen the headlines in a Liverpool shirt.
Isak injury history Season Games missed
Groin injury 24/25 1
Hamstring injury 24/25 1
Broken toe 24/25 7
Groin injury 23/24 4
So, although Haaland and Alvarez's failure should act as a firm warning, there is a way for Liverpool to march towards a successful title defence whilst enjoying both of their big-money strikers.