Attacker Nicolas Jackson played a key role in one among the summer window's most gripping transfer stories, however finally secured his desire by moving to Bayern Munich temporarily from Chelsea.
It was clear to all parties in the deal that the young forward would quickly face his original side when Bayern welcome Chelsea in their initial Champions League game on Wednesday.
Individuals assisting finalize the turbulent transfer had sufficient moments around a frantic deadline day to consider his debut for the European powerhouse in the elite Champions League.
Jackson stayed in Germany all along as a deal was settled on Saturday morning, prior to approval to have a medical was cancelled because of a significant hamstring injury to west London attacker Liam Delap.
But the move was back on by Monday's deadline.
Throughout that period, Jackson told his representatives he was looking forward to facing, and possibly scoring against, Chelsea.
Such emotion sums up some of the emotions as Jackson exited Stamford Bridge.
He probably to feel he has a score to settle to some of the Chelsea fans that never fully embraced him, notably showing disapproval during ex-coach Mauricio Pochettino's time in charge.
Certain decision-makers, including manager Enzo Maresca, also began to lose trust in him after a pair of dismissals against Newcastle United in the Premier League and Flamengo in the Club World Cup at the end of last season.
That fracturing of the bond between Jackson and Chelsea, combined with the addition of strikers Joao Pedro and Delap, led to his exit of west London.
At his unveiling at Bayern, Jackson said: "It was challenging - a hard spell. Challenging instances in those last days. But I was very confident I will stay here because this is my desired destination and want to be.
"The sporting director, and the coach really wanted me. It was very tough but in the end we got it, so I'm extremely happy.
"I have followed Bayern all my life. It was a dream to join this giant institution. When they called me I was thrilled and ready to come and play for them."
But, this on-off-on transfer saga is merely finished for now, because the deal - a temporary move with a requirement to buy - does not appear watertight.
Is Jackson Set to Join Bayern Long-Term?
Jackson signed for Bayern Munich on transfer cutoff day for a £14.3m loan fee - close to a historic high amount for a temporary deal - with a conditional obligation to buy for £56.2m.
Only the loan moves that took Alvaro Morata from Chelsea to Atletico Madrid and then from the Spanish club to Juventus secured bigger fees.
Yet, according to numerous German media reports, the terms to make the loan deal full are challenging to achieve.
Uli Hoeness, the ex-forward who is an prominent voice on Bayern's board, told Sky Germany during the international break: "It's improbable he'll start 40 games from the start.
"We still have 32 Bundesliga games. If we make it to the Champions League final, which we aspire to, that includes 13 games. The overall is 45 games.
"German Cup games are excluded. So he would have to start each match. He will go to the Africa Cup of Nations in January, so he is unlikely to feature in 40 games."
Further clarification has been given that every game of 45 minutes or more would qualify as a "start" for Jackson.
Hoeness further stated that Jackson's Epic Sport agency, headed by Ali Barat, funded the extra £1.3m tacked onto the loan fee by Chelsea in the two days before deadline, while leaving open the possibility that the Senegal striker could rejoin west London next summer.
Upon questioning about the arrangement at his unveiling press conference, Jackson said: "I don't determine that, my job is just to do my best, make my team win and find the net frequently. My focus is only on aiming for big things."
Regardless, Chelsea are pleased with the monetary aspects and such a high loan fee could incentivise Bayern to buy Jackson next summer.
Insiders at the club have also stated that, if Jackson excels and displays a positive attitude over the season-long stint, he will secure a long-term future in Bavaria.
The strategy is for him to both rival and support star striker Harry Kane.
Jackson had his debut as a half-time substitute for the reigning winners during their 5-0 win over Hamburg on Saturday, taking over from Serge Gnabry and joining forces with the England captain.
"I thought he looked sharp," said Kane. "In training, he's looked very strong. It's challenging coming into a team like us when we're so organized.
"Athletically is very robust and speedy. And if he plays, he'll be determined to prove himself. But I aim not to put too much pressure on him too soon.
"He realizes he's working his way into the team. So far he's had a great attitude and the desire to improve is the most important thing."
Jackson is capable of playing as a number nine or on the left wing, so has choices in terms of position. And at Bayern, he avoids the pressure of needing to be the main goalscorer, while his closeness to the England captain can only aid his progress in the future.
"My wish is that he scores a lot of goals for us. I think he'll do so," said Bayern boss Vincent Kompany.
The ball is now in Jackson's court. He can either impress and stay at one of the world's top sides or follow a similar path to Jadon Sancho, who rejoined Manchester United for a reduced fee as Chelsea escaped their previous £20m mandatory acquisition agreement.
What Led to It Not Work Out at Chelsea?
Both Chelsea and Jackson's team argue the forward's time at Chelsea was a positive.
Chelsea banked on three months of outstanding performance at Villarreal and decided to activate his £32m exit fee in 2023. He had more than doubled in value over a 24-month span.
Jackson was just a elite athlete for five years - six years ahead of his move to Chelsea, he was competing on sandy recreational fields in his Senegalese birthplace of Ziguinchor.
Everyone knew Jackson was a raw talent, having played just 1,758 minutes of elite competition, but he rapidly cemented his place as Chelsea's starting striker.
Understandably, given the speed of his rise, there were occasions where Jackson had difficulties.
Per Opta data, Jackson did not meet his projected tally by a score of -7 over the past two seasons, which is the second-worst total in the Premier League, exceeded only by Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Poor finishing drew disapproval from fans, and he is known to have suffered under that pressure. Jackson would have periods of finding the net but then experience long barren spells.
When asked about his exit, Maresca said: "Nico is a Bayern Munich player. I sent him a message and hoped for his success. He worked well when he was here. That's all I can say."
However, Jackson scored more than Chelsea legend Didier Drogba in his first season - scoring 14 goals to the Ivory Coast striker's 10. He then bagged 21 goals in his first 50 games to tie one of Africa's elite attackers at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are likely to make substantial profit, whether
