In the Guardiola era, which is unique and sure never to be repeated, they have broken all of the club’s own historic records. City are regularly competing for and winning titles, and are often labelled the favourite, finding success through an unmistakable playing style and a business model that is fast being adopted by many domestic clubs. In the last transfer window, they sold a number of players to the tune of €150 million without weakening their squad. Outstanding.

Both Savinho and Gundogan have been brought in, although the former was already owned by City Global, while the German arrived on a free transfer. Zero expenditure while awaiting resolution of, or potential sanctions for, the club’s alleged breaching of the Premier League’s financial fair play rules. This is perhaps the only stain on the otherwise spotless rehabilitation of a club languishing in the lower leagues rising to become one of the biggest names in world football. 

The franchise system works, with City buying young talent from a global scouting network before distributing that talent among franchised clubs. Manchester City has become a global club, with a brand growing throughout the world built on an unmistakable style of play and a business model by which they sell to any club, including their own direct rivals. 

Leroy Sané went to Bayern, Ferrán Torres to Barça and Gabriel Jesús and Sterling to Arsenal, the team that pushed City all the way in last year’s Premier League title race. Any player that wishes to leave is free to do so, although whether Erling Haaland is extended the same courtesy remains to be seen. The Norwegian will be looking to move to Real Madrid or Barça in a year or two – Guardiola has already admitted as much – and City staying true to their own business model when the time comes will be a real sign of strength.