Alexis Sanchez was the brink of a move to Pep Guardiola's all-conquering Manchester City side.
But rivals Manchester United were waiting in the wings with a huge financial package, committing £180million over 4.5 years to tempt the Chilean to Old Trafford.
Sportsmail's Mike Keegan takes you through the twists and turns of a remarkable transfer gazumping.
Wasn’t he supposed to sign for City in the summer?
He was indeed.