Those new defenders cannot come soon enough for Pep Guardiola. The transition is on, Guardiola and his bosses deciding in unison that it cannot wait any longer.
Three new signings are close – something unheard of in January at a club vying for the Premier League’s top spots – and Guardiola is offering clues as to who out of the existing crop he is dragging along with him for the ride.
No Kyle Walker, the captain, with the travelling party and we all know why. No Ederson – again.