The Athletic's respected David Ornstein has shed light on Manchester City's shrewdest piece of business in recent memory, confirming what football insiders have been saying about newly-acquired midfielder Tijjani Reijnders.
The Dutchman is close to completing his £46.3m switch from AC Milan, with Pep Guardiola securing a player who has earned universal acclaim from those who know the game best.
Ornstein's assessment carries particular weight given his connections throughout European football. The journalist disclosed that every conversation he has had regarding the 26-year-old has yielded the same verdict - this is a footballer destined for the very highest level.
The consensus amongst those closest to the situation was clear: despite Reijnders having penned fresh terms at the San Siro not long ago, the Netherlands international had outgrown his surroundings. His qualities demanded Champions League football, something Milan could not guarantee.
"The financial aspect played its part too," sources suggested, with the Italian club needing to balance their books whilst losing a gem of a player.
For City, this represents the kind of calculated recruitment that has become their hallmark under Guardiola's guidance. The Catalan coach can now rest easy knowing he has secured a midfielder who will throw everything into the upcoming Club World Cup campaign.
What makes this acquisition particularly astute is Reijnders' proven durability. Last season alone, he featured in 54 matches for Milan - a testament to both his fitness levels and the trust placed in him by his former employers.
The technical excellence that caught City's eye has been evident for some time. Those who have followed his development closely speak of a player whose ball-carrying ability and spatial awareness mark him out as something special.
This move represents more than just squad strengthening for City - it signals their intent to regain their position at European football's summit whilst planning for the future.