The extended 2020 transfer window -- the longest in recent memory --- came to a dramatic conclusion on Monday's deadline day. Thomas Partey 's late, late move to Arsenal from Atletico Madrid brought to a close a fascinating window for African players, with many of the continent's stars making moves that could transform their standing within the world game. Not all of the deals that got over the line are destined for success, however, and we select the diamonds and duds from the summer's business.
Diamond: Achraf Hakimi (Real Madrid to Internazionale)
Hakimi moves to Inter from Real Madrid for a hefty initial £36 million price tag, although that may prove to be money well spent for a right-back who could already be considered among the best players in his position in the world game.
He excelled across two seasons in the German Bundesliga, on loan at Borussia Dortmund, last term registering a career-high 10 assists and weighing in with five goals as BVB mounted a title challenge. Despite impressing in the UEFA Champions League -- a tournament he won previously with Real -- and netting four last term, there was no place for him at the Bernabeu and he's moved on for a fresh start at Inter.
At just 21, he has the potential to become football's finest full-back, and should thrive under the tutelage of Antonio Conte, who has got the best out of wide players in a 3-4-3 formation.
The youngster set up two goals and scored another in his first two Italian Serie A matches, and Inter have pulled off a blinder with this deal if it's a sign of things to come.
Dud: Habib Diallo (Metz to Strasbourg)
On paper, Diallo's transfer to Strasbourg from fierce rivals Metz represents a sensible move for both player and buyers, although there's no doubt that things have got off on the wrong foot.
The Senegal striker netted 12 goals in 26 outings in the French Ligue 1 last term, had been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur during the window, and at 25, should get better over the coming years.
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Despite being linked with a move to the English Premier League on deadline day, however -- both Sheffield United and West Bromwich Albion appeared to be close to a €15 million deal -- he remained in France.
Then, in a private message meant for a personal contact on Instagram, the striker revealed his unhappiness with the move as he criticised his former employers and claimed that he was forced to sign for Strasbourg against his wishes.
It's a revelation that risks alienating both Metz fans, who appreciated his previous contribution, and the supporters of his new club.
Diamond: Mohammed Kudus (Nordsjaelland to Ajax)
While Partey is the Ghanaian player got everyone talking during the transfer window, Ajax Amsterdam's swoop for Kudus might represent an even better move in the long haul.
The youngster arrived from Danish side FC Nordsjaelland for €9 million, having scored nine goals in 21 appearances in the regular Danish SAS-Ligaen last term -- an excellent return for a central midfielder.
He should refine his game at Ajax -- a club that prides itself on cultivating talent -- and he boasts the intelligence, technical quality and versatility to thrive on the left side of a midfield three, helping the Dutch giants replace the departed Donny van de Beek.
He completed five tackles and registered three interceptions on his Dutch Eredivisie debut against RKC Waalwijk, before contributing an assist in his second match against Vitesse Arnhem.
There should be no concerns about his ability to step up to the plate.
Dud: Djamel Benlamri (Al Shabab to Lyon)
Benlamri's move to Lyon is the kind of story that could warm the heart of the most cynical football fan.
The Algeria stopper, 31 later this year, must have given up his hopes of ever making it in European football, having spent the entirety of his career in North Africa or Saudi Arabia.
Not only did he finally secure a switch to Europe during the transfer window, but also he moved to a continental giant in French heavyweights Lyon, who completed his signing on deadline day .
It's a remarkable step up for a defender, whose gritty and rugged qualities are undoubted but who hasn't truly demonstrated during his career that he's the kind of player who could improve a team who reached the UCL semifinals last season.
Benlamri is the ultimate late bloomer, who made his international debut only at the age of 28, but, much as this is a beautiful tale, he has his work cut out to adapt to life at one of France's giants.
Diamond: Eberechi Eze (QPR to Crystal Palace)
The lower leagues are increasingly being seen as a recruitment pool for Premier League sides in search of creativity in the final third, with the likes of West Ham United and Leicester City respectively seeing Jarrod Bowen and James Maddison make the step up from the English League Championship to the top flight.
Could Eze be the next player to make the transition successfully?
He was sublime for Queens Park Rangers last term, helping the West Londoners punch above their weight while weighing in with 14 goals and eight assists.
Eze's move to Crystal Palace represents a natural "next step" in his career, as the winger can remain in London while adapting to life in a more rarefied environment.
Roy Hodgson has demonstrated he can get the best out of African players, with the likes of Jordan Ayew, Wilfried Zaha and Jeffrey Schlupp all impressing in South London.
Could Eze, eligible for Nigeria's Super Eagles, be set to follow in their footsteps?
Dud: Ibrahim Sangare (Toulouse to PSV Eindhoven)
The signing of Sangare could yet prove to be a coup for PSV, with the Dutch giants having parted with €9 million to sign the once highly rated Ivory Coast international from relegated Toulouse.
However, there are elements of uncertainty for all parties.
At 22, Sangare ought to be at the stage where he is establishing himself in the game, and not still having his failings explained away by the inconsistencies of youth.
The truth is that he regressed in France's Ligue 1 last term -- albeit in a dire Toulouse side -- and he is no longer linked with the likes of Barcelona and Arsenal.
Considering the fact that he shone in Ligue 1 previously, a move to the Eredivisie -- albeit to a domestic heavyweight -- feels like a step in the wrong direction, while PSV have paid a hefty fee for a player who proved himself to be a magnet for bookings last term.
This could be the fresh start Sangare needed to get things back on track, although a move to the side that finished fourth in Netherlands last term is depressingly low key.