So, now we know. Pep Guardiola will now be sprinkling some of his managerial magic at Manchester City.
As the best in his profession in the current era, it will be intriguing to see how he handles the Premier League, which despite the TV-fueled aura is not necessarily the highest quality domestic competition in Europe.
Stamping his authority on City will be the first step as he takes control and it will be interesting to witness how he sees his possession-centric style translating to English football.
For that, he needs a squad attuned to his methods, which means that there will be incomings and outgoings of personnel next summer.
Some City players are entering the final months at the club before Pep turns up officially. But who could they be?
Yaya Toure
When your agent is quoted as saying "The truth is that my grandfather would win the title with Barcelona and Bayern Munich because they are big clubs with great players" in reference to Guardiola, don't expect that to be reciprocated with kindness.
When Mr Dimitri Seluk also predicted aloud that "when [Pep] comes Yaya will be out. I hope not and Yaya hopes not", it also does not bode well.
Toure, who was inherited by Guardiola in 2008 and won the Champions League in 2009 together at Barcelona, was sold to City by the Catalan coach in 2010 as he preferred Sergio Busquets as the holding player - and was proven right.
Even without his agent's contributions, the Ivorian is past his peak and even though he can still shine occasionally, Man City have already seen the best of him, which also makes it pretty crystal clear that there will be a parting of the ways this summer.
His contract will also have year to run from this summer.
Samir Nasri
Toure's friend has been a bit-part presence this season due to a long-term injury. A major talent at his best, he could still add something at the age of 28.
However, the former France playmaker could also be sacrificed if a significant number of signings are made and space needs to be opened up in the current squad.
One thing that might keep the ex-Arsenal star at the Etihad in the short-term is the fact that his contract is a long-term one which runs all the way until 2019, so if he does leave, the club might have to accept a lesser fee.
Samir Nasri (Picture by: Scott Heavey / PA Archive/PA Images)
Wilfried Bony
In short, Toure's compatriot is already a fringe factor at City under Manuel Pellegrini and is unlikely to fare any better in Guardiola's thoughts.
His contract also runs until 2020, but even so, he is likely to be sent on his way.
Fernando
His Brazilian City colleague Fernandinho and England international Fabian Delph are more dynamic if Guardiola wants a box-to-box element in his midfield, which could make Fernando vulnerable if the new manager intends to shake up that sector of the field.
The defence?
Manchester City could have been running away with this season's Premier League title, if only they knew how to defend.
Vincent Kompany has endured occasionally patchy form in recent seasons but as proven by his long absences this campaign, he remains the cornerstone around which their back-four is built.
As captain, leader and a respected figure, the Belgian centre-back is highly likely to stay.
However, Martin Demichelis is 35 and not defensively solid, the young Eliaquim Mangala is still as raw as the fish in your average sushi dish and a full-back like Gael Clichy does not feel like a front-line figure.
Nicolas Otamendi has not been totally assured since joining from Valencia, but with one full season under his belt by this summer, the Argentine could be the main partner for Kompany at the start of next season.
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