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It has finally happened. The news Manchester City fans have been dreading finally came to pass as after completing an unprecedented domestic treble, long-serving captain, Vincent Kompany announced his intention to leave the club.
The Belgian joined the Cityzens from Hamburg in 2008 as a defensive midfielder but was converted to a centre-back under Roberto Mancini.
He has been an ever-present in the two Premier League titles won under Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini. However, due to injuries, he has played fewer minutes since the Pep Guardiola-era began.
His leadership, intelligence, organization and desire to win will be missed from the backline of a team now firmly established as one of Europe's finest sides.
He will need replacing and already, rumours have begun to fly with various names being linked to the Etihad Stadium side.
Aymeric Laporte is an ever-present in the side and John Stones is expected to play a bigger role as from next season while doubts remain over the future of Nicolas Otamendi.
Here is a look at 5 players who could replace Kompany in the City backline:
#5 Ibrahim Konate (RB Leipzig)
Guardiola has shown a willingness to be patient with certain players in their first season (Leroy Sane, Bernardo Silva, Danilo) so this is a transfer that makes a lot of sense.
The same level of patience could be needed if Konate is the player the higher-ups at City like.
Alongside teammate, Dayot Upamecano, Konate fits exactly into the mould of players the Spanish manager likes; strong and intelligent.
Konate is notable for possessing physical and technical qualities that allow him to perform brilliantly as an efficient and offensively involved centre-back.
Strong, competent and calm in his tackling and decision-making, he was an ever-present for Die Roten Bullen in the just-concluded Bundesliga season.
Already used to playing in a high-pressing style like RB Leipzig's, playing in that same style at Manchester City will not faze him.
It's unclear how much he will cost given sporting director Ralf Ragnick's tough stance on transfers but he could cost the Cityzens a pretty penny.
#4 Ruben Dias (SL Benfica)
One of the highly rated youngsters coming out of the stables at Benfica, young Dias has been spoken of in glowing terms and there are already pundits comparing him to the legendary Portuguese centre-back Fernando Couto.
While he shares an innate sense of taking responsibility like Kompany, Dias differs from the great man.
His style of play is more aligned to the cultured style of players like Gerard Pique rather than the thou-shall-not-pass motto of the Belgian he might replace.
The young Dias who just made his first-team debut in Liga NOS last season has become an ever-present for the Eagles. He has at his rather tender age of 22, taken the mantle of leading the defence from the recently retired legend: Luisao.
This will help him adapt quickly to the demands of Guardiola's system. Alongside Laporte and Stones, he would form a formidable, long-term unit on which City can build for the present and future.
Alongside teammate, Joao Felix, Dias is one of Europe's most sought-after youngsters and will not come cheap.
#3 Nathan Ake (Bournemouth FC)
A natural fit for a team coached by Guardiola, Ake's journey from loan material at Chelsea to Premier League regular has been fascinating.
The Dutch international whose hair reminds one of former Oranje legend Ruud Gullit plays with a style reminiscent of his current manager at the Dutch national team: Ronald Koeman.
He has proven to be one of the better ball-playing centre-backs in the Premier League. He relies more on intelligence to make timely interceptions rather than brawn (similar to Laporte)
The Dutchman has been ever-present in the heart of Eddie Howe's defence since he joined for £20 million two seasons ago. He was at the heart of a very decent season for the Cherries
Given his Premier League-readiness and his style, he isn't an unknown quantity. His poise and passing would add calmness to the City backline akin to Kompany. Not afraid to get stuck in and make a tackle as well, his left-footed nature could be an issue as most coaches are loath to use two left-footed centre-backs.
Given the financial state of Premier League teams, the Cityzens may have to stump up the rumoured £26m it will require to get Ake to the Etihad.
#2 Nikola Milenkovic (Fiorentina)
Another young defender whose star has been on the rise, Milenkovic looks perfect for the Kompany role. The 21-year-old has quietly developed into one of the finest young defenders in Serie A.
Standing at 1.95m, the Serbian international is an absolute unit who has been used this season primarily as a right back. He has been effective in this position but it is clear that he belongs in the centre of the defence.
Strong and quick over short distances, his style will remind Premier League fans of another Serbian defender; former Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic. Both men share similar traits like fearlessness and being powerful aerially.
However, Milenkoviv is good with the ball at his feet. Playing as a right-back has helped him improve on his passing and distribution. He looks perfect for the City set-up as he is quick over short distances and will be able to provide an effective shield in front of Ederson.
Under Jose Mourinho, United were extensively linked with the player and were rumoured to have been given an asking price of £42m.
City will need to pay something similar to get their man.
#1 Matthijs De Ligt (AFC Ajax)
It is no longer a secret that de Ligt is probably the most in-demand player in world football.
The 19-year-old is a player who has the world at his feet and his displays in the just-concluded season have served to make him stand out more as a generational talent.
A permanent fixture at the back for Ajax, he has been one of the main reasons why the Amsterdam giants won the double: Eredivisie and KNVB Cup while cruelly going out in the UCL semis.
A very confident player, de Ligt has it all; strength, pace, leadership, aerial ability and intelligence. One of the youngest captains in the world, he has led the team excellently.
He is like a hybrid of the Spanish duo of Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique combining the best qualities of the El Clasico duo.
FC Barcelona has long held an interest in him. Same as Spurs, Real Madrid and even Manchester United and Juventus have been linked to Europe's Golden Boy.
He could seamlessly slot into the City backline as he has everything it takes to surpass Kompany's achievements for the club.
