If it is the transfer ban you think will stop us buying for a while, it would most likely be two transfer windows, rather than two years. so January and one Summer whenever it times in. And i'm sure the club would appeal it, and even if it fails the appeal, it allows the club time as the ban is effectively paused while the appeal is heard. This is what all the spanish clubs have done.
It is a very valid point however, and i agree, any signing has to be a long term one. Which for me personally is all the more reason not to rush in and overpay for the likes of Maguire (unless the club really think him as the first choice player for years to come, which i just can't see myself, but clearly plenty here do). You just don't pay 70m+ for a cover/squad/options player. Not with the model City are trying to stick to.
Ake (and as noted before, i doubt the legitemacy of any real interest) probably isnt a long term first choice target either, but at least makes more sense with the price, age, and equal home grown status, as a player providing depth and options, with a safer re-sale value and future potential. Or someone Like Ake.
OR, nobody at all for now. We didnt rush into signing any old DM for, what, 3 consecutive transfer windows? when it was so clear we needed cover for Dinho. So i don't see us doing that at CB.