But last night the deal was done, with the former French international signing a three-year deal after his contract expired with Lazio.
The 29-year-old had been offered a new six-year deal to stay at the Stadio Olympico but opted for a fresh start at City.
“I am delighted Ousmane is joining us," Stuart Pearce told the official City website. "He is a vastly-experienced holding midfield player and I feel he will be a major asset to the squad.
"Ousmane is at the right age and is vastly experienced. He received offers from other big clubs, as well as ourselves, but the great thing about him is that I didn't have to sell this football club to him. He remembered coming here with Lazio in 2004 and was extremely impressed with the stadium and our fans.
"He has played in Serie A for a number of seasons and when you look at our away form last season, you see that it was a position we struggled to fill. Dabo joining us gives us more midfield options."