City have struck a clever deal with Lyon that will see teenager Abdulai Juma Bah head to France for the upcoming season. The move forms part of the intricate £30.5 million transfer that brought Rayan Cherki to the Etihad.
L'Equipe reports that Oscar Bobb originally topped their wanted list, alongside Uzbek defender Abdukodir Khusanov. City's answer was apparently swift and decisive - neither player was available for discussion.
James McAtee and Claudio Echeverri became Plan B. When those avenues closed, Lyon's recruitment team pivoted towards the Sierra Leone defender, with the 19-year-old representing a more realistic target, given City's current squad dynamics.
Bah's City career began in January following his switch from Real Valladolid. Rather than bedding into the first team squad, he was immediately farmed out to RC Lens. And his ten league outings proved valuable experience, helping Lens secure a respectable mid-table finish.
The French connection worked in Lyon's favour. Lens harboured hopes of keeping Bah for another campaign, but their Ligue 1 rivals have muscled in with a more attractive proposition.
City's centre-back cover provides the context for this decision. Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol emerged as Guardiola's preferred pairing during the business end of last season and that foundation looks set to remain intact.
Two January arrivals - Khusanov and Vitor Reis - joined an already crowded department. Add Nathan Ake, John Stones and Manuel Akanji to the mix, and opportunities for Bah look increasingly scarce in the short-term.
Lyon offers him something City cannot right now: consistent minutes and the chance to establish himself at senior level. It's shrewd business and makes sense all round.