The arrival of Steven Pienaar at Bidvest Wits is a major coup for the South African champions and a sign once again that the traditional giants, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, have not only lost their allure, but also their spending power.
Whether either were seriously in for the former Bafana Bafana captain is unknown, but they should have been, because a player of his ability and star quality could paper over some of their considerable cracks.
But instead he will wear the white of Wits, returning to the Premier Soccer League for the first time since he left Ajax Cape Town for Amsterdam in 2000.
His career in Europe since then was largely successful, he remains much loved at Ajax Amsterdam and Everton, where he spent 14 of those years combined, but also endured difficult spells with Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham Hotspur and most recently, Sunderland.
There is no doubt that Wits are getting a highly skilful, intelligent and experienced footballer, a drawcard for crowds and TV audiences, and a fine capture for the brand.
But that does not mean there will not be concerns that it all could turn into an expensive mistake.
There are pros and cons with just about any transfer, but for me, having delighted in watching Pienaar since he burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old with Ajax Cape Town in 1999, the positives outweigh the negatives.
It would be fanciful to think that Wits will get 30 games out of him this season. Factored into the thinking behind the deal will be the injury worries he has endured over the last two years, and the fact that he will have to be used somewhat sparingly.
Whether Pienaar will thrive in the PSL environment is also a concern. His game is built around link-up play that relies as much on his own football intelligence as that of his teammates. They must be able to make the right runs, have the skill to play with him, and know how to get the best out of Pienaar.
The best period of his career was when he linked with full-back Leighton Baines on Everton's left-hand side. They had an almost telepathic understanding and fed off each other brilliantly. Pienaar was not as effective when Baines was not in the team and he could well find playing in this Wits side frustrating.
But Wits coach Gavin Hunt is shrewd enough to work out the best plan for the player. Hunt made a big deal out of stating last season that the PSL -- his own side included -- lacked football intelligence. Well, now he has an intelligent footballer, but can he get the best out of him?
It will not be for a lack of effort on Pienaar's side. He is a model professional and I have no doubt that he will give his all. He will not see this as an easy way to wind down his career, but will be eager to impress and win trophies. He will just hope to not be let down by his body.
Hunt will also be hoping that his professional attitude rubs off on his teammates, and that the example he sets in training, and the star quality he brings after 17 years in Europe, is a lesson for the younger players. Take Phakamani Mahlambi for example, a bright talent who could learn a whole heap from working alongside Pienaar. The latter can be a mentor, and again I have no doubt that he will be eager to help where he can.
And then there is the skill of Pienaar. Where he will be used, particularly with the arrival earlier this month of Daylon Claasen, remains to be seen. But a playmaking role behind the strikers will make sense -- from there he can limit the strain on his body, limit his defensive responsibilities and make the team tick.
Only time will tell whether this move pays off for Wits, but the opportunity to sign a player of the calibre of Pienaar was simply too good to turn down. He brings so much to the table. His ability, his personality, his intelligence and his work ethic can take the team to another level.