After Sunderland's woeful start to their league campaign, manager Dick Advocaat made the decision to re-sign Italian striker Fabio Borini from Liverpool, for a fee rumoured to reach £10 million, in an attempt to boost his struggling squad.
However, this is a decision that has left the club's most famous striker scratching his head, with Kevin Phillips, who scored 113 league goals for Sunderland, questioning whether or not Borini was the right signing.
Is his heart in it?
Borini had previously spent the duration of the 2013-14 season on loan with the Black Cats, scoring seven league goals, but refused a permanent move at the end of the campaign, choosing to fight for his place at Liverpool.
His decision to not re-join the club immediately left club legend Phillips wondering if his heart was in the right place. Speaking to the Daily Star, he said that his "only issue is, does he want to be there?" - a question that will no doubt be on the minds of Sunderland fans across the country.
Liverpool had received offers from several other clubs regarding Borini, such as; Internazionale, Watford and Fiorentina, but it was Advocaat who landed his signature, perhaps answering his critics and proving he really does want to be at Sunderland.
Does he have the ability?
One thing that current Leicester City first team coach, Phillips, does not doubt, however, is Borini's ability on the pitch, stating that "there's no questioning his ability and if his mind is right" as long as he "knuckles down and puts in the performances".
Borini had impressed during his loan spell, hence why the Black Cats attempted to keep him in the first place - the Italian has confidence and knows exactly where the goal is, which are perfect traits for a striker.
Whilst Phillips may not be totally sold on the idea of Borini moving back, he does accept that he strengthens the team, describing him as "a goal scorer, a fans' favourite" and someone who has "proved he can [score goals] in the past".
Borini may still have to win over Phillips with his performances once he puts the red and white shirt on once more, but a vote of confidence on his goal scoring prowess from one of the greatest strikers in Sunderland's history will not hurt him.
Was it the right move?
It was a strange decision from Borini to choose to re-join Sunderland, with other clubs placing offers on the table. Due to the fact he decided not to stay with them when he had the chance, it appeared he was not interested, so perhaps the lure of first team football pushed him to Wearside.
Sunderland fans will no doubt be pleased to see a quality addition such as Borini, but with the club already boasting several quality strikers, with proven Premier League abilities, it was an unexpected signing, given the sides defensive issues so far this season.
With the player and the club having had encounters before, it should be a smooth transition without complications, which is likely to be exactly what both parties are looking for at this juncture.
Fans will simply be hoping that Borini can perform to the level he did during his loan spell, and wish for some Italian magic in their efforts to stay afloat this season.