It is a long and complicated road which has led Manchester City to Jonny Evans.
Long before the summer started, defence was at the top of Pep Guardiola’s extensive shopping list. While full-backs (as we have seen) were the priority, an experienced centre-half was not far behind.
The Catalan is wary of the Vincent Kompany's record with injury and is unable to rely on him for a full season. John Stones, despite the staggering fee, is still young and needs an experienced head at the side of him.
Should Nicolas Otamendi also succumb to injury, Eliaquim Mangala – who is surplus to requirements – was not viewed as a capable stand-in.