In an ideal world, the close of this latest transfer window would herald an influx of new faces at Goodison Park. The departure of Samuel Eto'o to Sampdoria heaps added pressure on the form and fitness of Romelu Lukaku and Arouna Kone, while few could argue against the case for another centre-back.
However, only four transfer windows into his Everton tenure, it is already clear which window Roberto Martinez prefers, with the Blues' boss viewing the January market as one rarely offering value for money.
As such, especially with Martinez recently bemoaning the lack of potential midfield signings, the addition of Aaron Lennon on loan until the end of the season is a welcome boost to a squad crying out for the attributes he can offer. Lacking width and pace this season, Lennon offers both.
New signings also create a feel-good factor. They lift the players and the fans, and that is particularly pleasing for a club low on positivity in recent weeks.The debut of a new player also usually helps raise the atmosphere and creates a buzz of energy and excitement in the stands.
Crying out for a winger, someone capable of easing the creative strain on an overworked few, Everton can finally tick that box thanks to the signature of a 27-year-old likely to have a point to prove after limited match action at Tottenham this season.
For the player himself, this is perhaps a chance to re-establish faded England credentials and reprove his ability to contribute at the highest level, with the chance to earn a summer move at the end of it. Regular football may be just the tonic for Lennon.
Out of favour at White Hart Lane, rarely featuring under new manager Mauricio Pochettino, the Spurs player is the latest in a number heading to Goodison in search of consistency and a chance to revive their career.
Some failed, notably Andy van der Meyde and Royston Drenthe, but plenty can point to a stint on Merseyside kick starting flagging careers. Mikel Arteta and Steven Pienaar are perhaps the standout examples when it comes to players rediscovering their best form in the blue of Everton. The hope is Lennon has a similar impact.
Shorn of Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar through injury, Lennon is another attacking midfield choice for a side too often shoehorning players into unfamiliar roles on the flanks. Boosting the number of midfielders keeping Ross Barkley from either wing can only be a positive.
The likelihood of Lennon pushing Aiden McGeady down the pecking order is further reason as to why supporters may cheer this acquisition. Work ethic and tenacity are clear improvements of late, but it has not stopped the Irish winger attracting criticism for his inconsistency in possession and his regular squandering promising openings. It is on Lennon to carve out a place for himself on the right of a midfield without a standout candidate to this point.
Blessed with pace, Lennon is capable of taking the game to the other team, which is something an often-pedestrian Everton lack at present. Since the departure of Gerard Deulofeu, the Toffees miss the presence of a jet-heeled winger who could trouble the opposition on the counterattack. Christian Atsu joined in the summer but his best form this season has been for Ghana, although minimal playing time is a factor behind his failure to impress at club level this term.
Lennon also offers width, which is another trait constant in its absence thus far. Tending to plough aimlessly through the middle of the pitch due to an overcrowded midfield filled with players out of position, Lennon is a much-needed alternative capable of stretching the pitch and the opposing defence.
Injecting fresh legs into an occasionally weary midfield, this relatively low-risk loan deal has all the makings of a shrewd deadline day move. The only slight hitch is a player cup-tied in the Europa League due to his involvement with Spurs earlier in the campaign.
On the back of a morale boosting three points at Crystal Palace, this is another positive step ahead of the Merseyside derby on Saturday, a game in which Lennon could make his Everton debut.