Ferran Torres left for troubled Barcelona last week only to discover that the Catalan club are struggling to register him for competitive matches.
It could amount to heart-breaking news for the former City player but, as is so often the case in football, City have to move on without sentiment.
Pep Guardiola could be looking to strengthen his forward line in the January transfer window now Torres has left but who should he trust to fill the gap.
MEN Sport has decided to enlist the help of the Supercomputer in order to advise on replacement signings for City.
Take a look at its suggestions below:
Five replacement signings for Torres
Francesco Caputo, Sampdoria
A cheaper, short-term solution for a Torres replacement would be Caputo.
The 34-year-old has scored four goals and grabbed five assists in 20 Serie A appearances this season.
He has not played at the very top of the game during his career to date, so could be a risk for City.
Edinson Cavani, Manchester United
This would cause controversy across the city if Cavani was to move to the Etihad.
The Uruguayan has impressed in his limited appearances for United this season and he has certainly been there and done it throughout his career.
It is thought the 34-year-old will leave sooner rather than later, though Ralf Rangnick has said an exit won't happen in the January window.
Paco Alcacer, Villarreal
Alcacer has struggled for form this season in La Liga with only four goals to his name in all competitions, none of which coming in the Spanish top flight.
However, Borussia Dortmund and before them Barcelona, have both seen something in him in the past.
Maybe the 28-year-old could be the ideal short-term replacement for Torres.
Jamie Vardy, Leicester City
At the ripe age of 34, Vardy has shown no signs of slowing down this campaign.
With 11 goals in 22 appearances in all competitions for the Foxes, he has proven he still knows where the back of the net is.
Having turned down other clubs in the past, it is unlikely Vardy will make the move to Guardiola's side so late in his career.
Ciro Immobile, Lazio
Immobile is perhaps the most exciting prospect on the Supercomputer's suggestions.
At 31, he is arguably in his prime years and he certainly knows how to bag a goal.
With 16 goals in 21 appearances, City may be hard pressed to find a Torres replacement with such a good goal-scoring ratio at the same, reasonable asking price.
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