Transfers may only happen in two specific periods but the rumours persist all year round. There is a good reason for that: fans know a successful recruitment drive can transform a team's fortunes and ambitions and, these days, even bottom-half Premier League sides can afford exciting talents.
Now the summer window lies ahead again, bringing with it that enticing sense of possibility; that potential for accelerated improvement.
Spurs may have exceeded all expectations with their top-flight campaign, but they can still progress. They need better strength in depth and Mauricio Pochettino will welcome this chance to make some useful changes.
The problem is that Tottenham's rivals will feel the same way. Indeed, the north Londoners' foes are probably in greater need of reinforcements, and they have deeper pockets.
With that in mind, Spurs are perhaps the club who least want or need this transfer window. They would arguably be the happiest Premier League team if all deals were banned for the next three months and everyone was forced to enter the next campaign with their current group.
Yes, that would mean seeing the perennially frustrating Moussa Sissoko on the squad list for another campaign. But consider this -- which clubs are likely to make the biggest improvements to their squads before the end of deadline day?
It feels like it might be hardest for Tottenham, who finished the campaign with 12 wins from 13 games in the league, smashed Leicester and Hull 13-2 on aggregate as a finale and probably didn't want the season to end.
Of course, Chelsea supporters could justifiably point out that their side won the title and also beat Spurs in two of three meetings in the league and FA Cup. But, like Leicester before them, Antonio Conte's champions benefited from a lack of European football and injuries. Next season will be different.
It also seems likely that Conte will seek to bring in players who specifically suit the 3-4-3 system he adopted in September.
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola's predictable spending spree has already begun with the capture of Bernardo Silva, and the Spaniard has probably been desperate to rebuild his defence. Liverpool will want to capitalise on their qualification for the Champions League, while Manchester United and Arsenal are sure to respond and flex their financial muscles after finishing outside the top four.
Supporters of all five clubs would probably be alarmed if they were unable to recruit, while there would perhaps be less cause for concern, and even a little relief, at Tottenham.
After all, Spurs already face a tricky problem -- how to find players who can improve such an impressive first XI and, crucially, accept the club's wage structure and ceiling? If such targets exist, there is every chance that one of the other top-six sides will also be interested, and Tottenham tend to avoid getting into those bidding wars.
The issue has been underlined by the fact that only one of last summer's four signings (Victor Wanyama) has really made the desired impact and consistently held down a first-team place. Bringing in people of the required level within Spurs' budgetary constraints is now easier said than done.
Of course, there is the additional worry that the club will lose existing players -- Kyle Walker is thought to be on Guardiola's shopping list and a number of Tottenham's talents could earn more elsewhere.
It all adds to the feeling that, while they have room for improvement, Spurs could do without this transfer window; that their rivals stand to benefit more.
The good news is this is all a reflection of the club's success. For many years, they were sitting outside the top four, peering in jealously and desperately hunting for the signings that could dramatically improve their lot, with mixed results.
Now, barring an unlikely exodus which Tottenham's hierarchy would have to sanction themselves, they have no need to rip up their squad or take pricey gambles. As things stand, they can focus on fine-tuning.
Their main challengers may be wealthier but splashing the cash is no guarantee of success. Spurs spent £108 million on seven new players in 2013 and ended up finishing sixth. United paid a world record fee of £89.3m for Paul Pogba last year and also ended up sixth, even if they went on to win the Europa League.
Guardiola brought in Claudio Bravo from Barcelona for £15.4m 12 months ago and now appears to be spending another £35m on another goalkeeper -- Benfica's Ederson Moraes.
Spurs might wish this transfer window would be cancelled. But Pochettino will probably reflect that that is a nice position to be in, and that it is better to be looking over your shoulder than trying to work out how to catch the leaders.