Ranked: Man City’s 111 signings since Abu Dhabi takeover

No club has had more money to spend than Manchester City since 2008, and, arguably, no one has spent it better.

For so long in the shadow of their neighbours Manchester United , City’s fortunes transformed almost overnight when Abu Dhabi royal Sheikh Mansour bought the club, ushering in a period of extraordinary success and changing English football.

It is eight years now since the Premier League first began its investigation into City that culminated in the club being whacked with 115 charges relating to alleged financial impropriety and breaches of competition rules. City strenuously deny all the allegations and maintain they have a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence” to back up their claim, but football continues to wait for a verdict in the “sports trial of the century”. Whether City broke rules during a period in which they won three Premier League titles is now in the hands of an independent commission.

What is much less debated is the quality of the recruitment over a near 18-year period in which City hoovered up 21 major trophies, including eight league titles and the Champions League, and played host to some of the greatest players in the game.

From the early days under Mark Hughes to the Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini years and on to the Pep Guardiola dynasty, Telegraph Sport runs the rule over the 100-plus first-team signings during Abu Dhabi rule. It is quite the list.

Note: We have taken the decision to include Vincent Kompany and Pablo Zabaleta in the list even though both were signed in the days before the Abu Dhabi buy-out, given their huge contribution to the club’s success. City have also traded a large number of players within the City Football Group umbrella but we have only included those who played for City’s first team or who were signed with it firmly in mind.

1-12: Immortals

1. Kevin De Bruyne (2015-25)

From: Wolfsburg (£55m)
To: Napoli (free)
Played:422 Goals:108 Assists:177

De Bruyne is the player every fan and manager would have wanted in their team: an extraordinary, creative machine who played as if every game was his last. Universally admired throughout the game and a bona fide match-winner, some of his passing defied logic. He would bend games to his will – and to think some initially raised eyebrows at the £55m fee. Guardiola and De Bruyne – who did not always see eye to eye – challenged each other in a way that brought out the best in both. A player so good you almost wanted to keep him to yourself.
In a word (or two):King Kev

2. Erling Haaland (2022-present)

From: Borussia Dortmund (£51m)
Played:189 Goals:154 Assists:28

Where do you start? City beat Real Madrid to the signing of the Norway striker, who plundered nine goals in his first five games, including back-to-back hat-tricks, and has not stopped scoring since. He finished his debut season with an astonishing 52 goals in 53 games, setting a Premier League record for goals in a single season with 36 and was very unlucky to lose out on the Ballon d’Or to Lionel Messi .

Already fourth on City’s list of all-time top scorers, Haaland signed a new 10-year contract 14 months ago. By his remarkable standards, the past few months have been a fallow period as defenders have adapted their games to try to curb his threat, but he remains arguably the most-feared striker in world football.
In a word:Phenomenon

3. Sergio Agüero (2011-21)

From: Atlético Madrid (£38m)
To: Barcelona (free)
Played:390 Goals:260 Assists:65

You can still hear Martin Tyler’s memorable commentary after Agüero nudged the ball past Taye Taiwo and his shot hit the back of the QPR net as he wheeled away, ripped his shirt off and swung it around his head, having won City their first title in 44 years. It was the Argentina striker’s 31st goal of a dream debut season and set the tone for a remarkable decade to come. There are few more celebrated players in City’s history.
In a word:Agüeroooooo

4. Vincent Kompany (2008-19)

From: Hamburg (£6m)
To:Anderlecht (free)
Played:360 Goals:20 Assists:10

It is cheating a little to include Kompany in this list, given he was signed 10 days before Abu Dhabi’s takeover of City was complete, but it would be remiss not to make an exception for the mighty Belgian (and Pablo Zabaleta), due to the enormity of his impact and influence.

He was integral in changing the mentality at the club, winning four Premier League titles and six domestic cups during a storied 11-year period in which he established himself as one of the great Premier League centre-backs. No City fan will ever forget his thumping header against Manchester United in 2012 that set the club on course for a first Premier League title or his 30-yard thunderbolt against Leicester that helped them clinch the title by a point ahead of Liverpool in 2019.
In a word:Colossus

5. David Silva (2010-20)

From: Valencia (£25m)
To: Real Sociedad (free)
Played:436 Goals:77 Assists:136

The diminutive Spanish playmaker established himself as one of the Premier League greats . It was not until Guardiola arrived in Manchester in 2016 and moved Silva into central midfield that his game hit new heights, becoming a perennial oasis of calm amid the frantic ferocity of Premier League football. Nicknamed Merlin, he has a statue outside the Etihad, which says it all.
In a word:Magician

6. Rodri (2019-present)

From:Atlético Madrid (£62.8m)
Played:293 Goals:28 Assists:32

Guardiola’s computer and compass on the pitch, Rodri has established himself as the world’s pre-eminent No 6 at City. Despite Real Madrid and Vinícius Jnr’s bleatings, the Spain midfielder deservedly won the Ballon d’Or after a colossal season in which he underpinned the club’s march to an historic Treble.

It was no surprise that City struggled last season after losing Rodri early in the campaign with a bad knee injury, but there are signs of the 29-year-old recovering full form and fitness. A monumental signing.
In a phrase:Ballon d’Or

7. Bernardo Silva (2017-present)

From: Monaco (£43m)
Played:449 Goals:76 Assists:77

Although he was principally a winger when he signed, it took the Portuguese a year to adapt to English football and Guardiola’s methods, but there was no looking back after that. Guardiola has never hidden his love for Bernardo, recently describing his captain in adoring terms as his “weakness”. Who could blame him?

There is barely a position he does not excel in and, even now at 31 and probably in his last season at City, his energy levels are extraordinary. Bernardo combines a relentless work ethic with technical mastery, it feels as though there is not a tight space on the pitch that he could not wriggle out of. There were so many summers when it looked as though he would be leaving City, but he stayed and the club were all the better for it.
In a word:Indefatigable

8. Ederson (2017-25)

From: Benfica (£35m)
To: Fenerbahce (£12.1m)
Played: 372 Clean sheets:168

In 2017, City turned to the relatively unknown Brazilian to be their goalkeeper and it proved to be a transformational signing. Ederson was so calm under pressure that you sometimes wondered whether he had a pulse, and his distribution helped to elevate City dramatically under Guardiola. He had a hammer of a left foot that was almost unnerving in its accuracy and saw him contribute an array of direct assists. Sold to Fenerbahce last year, he is one of the greatest goalkeepers in the Premier League era.
In a word: Chilled

9. Yaya Touré (2010-18)

From: Barcelona (£24m)
To: Olympiacos (free)
Played: 316 Goals: 82 Assists: 45

It was Touré’s goal against Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley in 2011 that is often cited as the start of a power shift in the city. The Ivorian went on to score the winner in the final against Stoke to earn City their first major trophy for 35 years. A formidable goal-scoring midfielder, Touré was unstoppable en route to scoring 20 league goals in City’s second title win under Manuel Pellegrini in 2013-14.

His agent infamously claimed Touré was considering leaving the club at the end of that season after feeling the club forgot to celebrate his 31st birthday adequately and he did not always see eye to eye with Guardiola, who had sold him to City as Barcelona manager, but any ill feeling has long subsided.
In a word: Powerhouse

10. İlkay Gündoğan (2016-23, 2024-25)

First spell
From: Borussia Dortmund (£21m)
To: Barcelona (free)
Second spell
From: Barcelona (free)
To: Galatasaray (free)
Played: 358 Goals: 65 Assists: 47

Captain during the historic Treble season, at the end of which he left for Barcelona before returning 12 months later, Gündoğan was one of Guardiola’s favourite and most-trusted players – and with good reason. He could play anywhere in midfield, famously filling in as the pivot for the injured Fernandinho during a 14-game winning streak when City pipped Liverpool to the title by a point in 2018-19, or as a prolific false nine in 2020-21 when he scored 17 goals. The kind of smart, high-achieving, low-maintenance professional every manager craves.
In a word: Intelligent

11. Riyad Mahrez (2018-23)

From: Leicester City (£60m)
To: Al-Ahli (£30m)
Played: 236 Goals: 78 Assists: 59

Another Premier League great who arrived at City already a title winner and PFA Players’ Player of the Year through his exploits at Leicester and then ascended to new heights under Guardiola’s tutelage. Mahrez was involved in a goal every 112 minutes in the Premier League for City and no player created more chances per 90 minutes in the Champions League during the Treble-winning season of 2022-23 when the Algeria winger excelled. There are not many players in the Premier League era who had a first touch or ball control to rival him.
In a word: Silky

12. Fernandinho (2013-22)

From: Shakhtar Donetsk (£30m)
To: Athletico Paranaense (free)
Played: 383 Goals: 26 Assists: 32

One of the best examples of impeccable scouting, the Brazilian midfielder was not widely known when he arrived at the Etihad but before too long had made his transfer fee look a steal. He truly began to flourish as the defensive foil to fellow midfielders David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne in the 2017-18 season when City amassed 100 points. King of the so-called “tactical foul”, he later captained the club and was a hugely popular figure.
In a word: Linchpin

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13-23: Integrals

13. Raheem Sterling (2015-22)

From: Liverpool (£49m)
To: Chelsea (£47.5m)
Played: 339 Goals: 131 Assists: 86

The numbers speak for themselves and while Sterling’s contribution over seven glorious seasons was enormous, he will probably always be remembered for the 2017-18 campaign as one-third of that exhilarating attack with Agüero and Leroy Sané that propelled Guardiola’s side to 100 points.

There was so much to admire about him beyond just his talents as a footballer. Sterling became something of a spokesperson for a generation of young black sportsmen and women, calling out newspapers for “fuelling racism” with some of their coverage. A champion for social justice and a cultural role model, he was as bold off the pitch as he was on it. Although sold at the right time by City, the England forward was central to so much of their success.
In a word: Trailblazer

14. Kyle Walker (2017-25)

From: Tottenham (£50m)
To: Burnley (free)
Played: 319 Goals: 6 Assists: 23

City’s decision to pay Spurs £50m for Walker attracted plenty of criticism, with Gary Lineker describing the price tag as “mental”. Very few were questioning it by the end of a record-breaking season or beyond. Walker did not always cover himself in glory with some of his off-field antics but he was a cornerstone of so much of City’s success under Guardiola.

His pace became almost a get-out-of-jail-free card for a team that pushed so many players forward and the defender himself relished battles with the likes of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior. He was dropped for the Champions League final triumph over Inter Milan but asked to do a pre-match address to the team, telling his team-mates: “My dream is in your hands now.”
In a word: Speed

15. John Stones (2016-present)

From: Everton (£47.5m)
Played: 292 Goals: 19 Assists: 9

Injuries have prevented Stones from scaling the full breadth of his talents but, at his best, he was the most accomplished English centre-back of the past decade and during City’s Treble campaign, there was arguably no finer central defender in European football. He made stepping into midfield from centre-back to act as a double pivot alongside Rodri look like a breeze when it was anything but. A very popular, likeable figure, he is expected to depart the club at the end of the season when his contract expires, but England could really do with him being fit for the World Cup.
In two words: Barnsley Beckenbauer

16. Carlos Tevez (2009-13)

From: West Ham , on loan at Manchester United (£47m)
To: Juventus (£12m)
Played: 148 Goals: 73 Assists: 33

Of all City’s transfers over the past two decades, none caused as big a storm as Tevez’s sensational defection from Old Trafford. Sir Alex Ferguson was sent into a tailspin by the “Welcome to Manchester” poster, a piece of marketing genius poking fun at United’s home, sitting outside the city boundary, and Tevez revelled in goading his old manager and team-mates.

It was not all hunky dory at City – who could forget his six-month stand-off with the club and Mancini? – but he returned to play a pivotal role in the club’s march to a first Premier League title in 2012. As controversial a figure as he was, no one could dispute his class as a player: there were 106 goal involvements across 148 appearances for City.
In a word: Game-changer

17. Rúben Dias (2020-present)

From: Benfica (£65.2m)
Played: 254 Goals: 6 Assists: 6

Another inspired signing, Dias is by no means the most technically accomplished of Guardiola’s defensive signings, but he’s a natural leader and organiser and has been remarkably consistent at City. A long-standing part of City’s leadership group, he needed little time to assimilate into English football or culture.
In a word: Disciplined

18. Gareth Barry (2009-14)

From: Aston Villa (£12m)
To: Everton (£2m)
Played: 175 Goals: 8 Assists: 16

It is easy to forget how much stick Barry got for choosing City over Liverpool who, contrary to popular opinion, were offering him more money to move to Anfield. The then England midfielder was outstanding en route to City breaking their Premier League duck in 2012. A consummate professional who gave his very best years to City.
In a word: Unsung

19. Pablo Zabaleta (2008-17)

From: Espanyol (£6.5m)
To: West Ham United (free)
Played: 333 Goals: 12 Assists: 26

You will be hard-pressed to find a more popular figure among fans, staff or players in City’s modern era than the hard-working, hugely likeable former Argentina right-back. Signed the day before the Abu Dhabi takeover was formally completed, he became a quiet, unfussy cornerstone of much of the success that followed. His ninth and final season coincided with Guardiola’s first.
In a word: Beloved

20. Aymeric Laporte (2018-23)

From: Athletic Bilbao (£57m)
To: Al-Nassr (£23.6m)
Played: 180 Goals: 12 Assists: 4

A classy defender who slotted in seamlessly almost from the outset. Laporte made 51 appearances across all competitions in his first full season and became the archetypal ball-playing centre-back beloved of Guardiola while having the physicality and aggression to thrive in the Premier League. He had fallen out of favour by the end and only performed a squad role during the Treble season but he was a quality addition who read the game superbly and popped up with some big goals, including the winner against Spurs in the 2021 Carabao Cup final.
In a word: Classy

21. Edin Dzeko (2011-16)

From: Wolfsburg (£27m)
To: Roma (£11m)
Played: 189 Goals: 72 Assists: 28

Still playing at 40, Dzeko will always be synonymous with City’s epic comeback against QPR on the final day of the 2011-12 season. It was the Bosnia and Herzegovina striker’s 92nd-minute goal that drew City level at 2-2 before Agüero’s memorable winner.
In a word: QPR

22. Gabriel Jesus (2017-22)

From: Palmeiras (£27m)
To: Arsenal (£45m)
Played: 236 Goals: 95 Assists: 45

After scoring seven goals in his first 10 league games following his mid-season arrival, it seemed as though City had unearthed Brazil ’s next prolific striker. It did not quite turn out that way, with Jesus gradually taking on the wider role he preferred and not quite becoming the natural in front of goal he threatened to be.

He was, however, a valued, versatile and hard-working member of Guardiola’s squad and ended his time at City with a commendable 140 goal involvements in 236 games. City demonstrated their courage in the transfer market by selling him to rivals Arsenal.
In a word: Tireless

23. Julián Alvarez (2022-24)

From: River Plate (£14m)
To: Atlético Madrid (£81.5m)
Played:103 Goals: 36 Assists: 19

City have set the benchmark in the transfer market for years and there have been few better pieces of business than Alvarez. Signed for just £14m from River Plate and sold a couple of years later for a £67m profit, the Argentina forward and World Cup winner was reluctant to continue being an understudy to Haaland and was snapped up by Atlético. A versatile forward, he scored 17 goals across 49 appearances in City’s Treble-winning season, including one in the 4-0 Champions League semi-final demolition of Real Madrid.
In a word: Money-spinner

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24-34: Importants

24. Manuel Akanji (2022-present)

From: Borussia Dortmund (£15m)
To: Inter Milan (loan)
Played: 136 Goals: 5 Assists: 3

Signed on deadline day from Borussia Dortmund for just £15m in the same summer City also bought Haaland from the Bundesliga club, there have not been many better bargain buys over the past decade. Akanji was outstanding during the Treble season and maintained that form the following year. He was loaned to Inter Milan last summer.
In a word: Bargain

25. Nicolás Otamendi (2015-20)

From: Valencia (£32m)
To: Benfica (£13.7m)
Played: 210 Goals: 11 Assists: 4

The Argentina centre-back will always be synonymous with the 2017-18 season when he played 34 league games in a standout campaign that earned him a place in the PFA Team of the Year. His evolution under Guardiola from a traditional no-nonsense defender to a key part of their build-up play was startling. In that campaign of 100 points, he became the first player in Premier League history to attempt over 3,000 passes in a single season and had a 92 per cent pass success rate.
In a word: Evolution

26. Leroy Sané (2016-20)

From: Schalke (£42m)
To: Bayern Munich (£54.8m)
Played: 135 Goals:39 Assists:44

For a couple of seasons after a modest, if encouraging, debut campaign, Sané was largely unplayable as a thrilling, rampaging left-winger. He was voted PFA Young Player of the Year for his exploits in 2017-18 and seemed destined for greatness. Injuries, however, ravaged his final season at City, limiting him to just two appearances. After he rejected a new contract offer amid a desire to return to Germany , he was sold to Bayern Munich.
In a word: Electrifying

27. Nigel de Jong (2009-12)

From: Hamburg (£18m)
To: AC Milan (£3.5m)
Played: 137 Goals: 2 Assists:2

One of the more important signings of the early Abu Dhabi era, De Jong was part of the backbone of the City side that won the FA Cup in 2011 – and that first league title 12 months later. A leader on and off the pitch, the midfield enforcer helped more creative talents such as David Silva and Yaya Touré to flourish. His feisty approach could sometimes get the better of him – he somehow escaped a red card in the 2010 World Cup final for a kung-fu kick on Xabi Alonso – but he was a born competitor and central to City’s initial ascent.
In a word: Enforcer

28. James Milner (2010-15)

From: Aston Villa (£26m)
To: Liverpool (free)
Played: 203 Goals: 18 Assists: 38

It feels like a lifetime since Milner left City, having last month broken the all-time Premier League appearance record . City did not want to lose him in 2015, but failed to agree on a new deal, and he joined Liverpool in one of the great free transfers. He was a relentless competitor who won two titles, the FA Cup and League Cup with City.
In two words: Got away

29. Josko Gvardiol (2023-present)

From: RB Leipzig (£77m)
Played: 120 Goals: 13 Assists: 10

Still only 24, Gvardiol has emerged as one of Europe’s best defenders, comfortable at left-back or centre-half and an attacking threat to boot. He has chipped in with a healthy share of goals for City since his big-money move from Leipzig and looks set to be a staple in the defence for years to come. Has been missed at the back since suffering a fracture in his left leg in January.
In a word: Burgeoning

30. Oleksandr Zinchenko (2016-22)

From: Ufa (£1.7m)
To: Arsenal (£32m)
Played: 128 Goals: 2 Assists: 12

City’s eye for a player was encapsulated by the signing of Zinchenko, just as Guardiola’s ability to adapt charges to new positions was showcased by the way in which he turned the Ukraine international from an attacking midfielder into a dynamic left-back. Played a valuable role at different junctures and was sold for an enormous profit to Arsenal.
In a word: Versatile

31. Nathan Aké (2020-present)

From: Bournemouth (£41m)
Played: 172 Goals: 10 Assists: 3

Injuries have dogged his City career but he has always bounced back and when he does play, he is usually Mr Dependable, as evidenced by his recent performance in the Carabao Cup final win over Arsenal. Comfortable at left-back, centre-half, in a back three or a four, Aké has proven a very useful, versatile squad member and excelled during the Treble season.
In a word: Dependable

32. João Cancelo (2019-24)

From: Juventus (£60m)
To: Al-Hilal (£21.2m)
Played: 154 Goals:9 Assists: 22

Guardiola has always been innovative with his use of full-backs and he took things to new levels with Cancelo during the 2020-21 season when the Portuguese operated as part-pivot, part-winger, part-No 10 playmaker. He was instrumental in helping City regain the title from Liverpool – and win it again the following season – and a master of the “trivela”, a pass or shot with the outside of the boot that became a signature move. Relations with Guardiola eventually soured and he was loaned to Bayern Munich midway through the Treble campaign.
In a word: Trivela

33. Jack Grealish (2021-present)

From: Aston Villa (£100m)
To: Everton (loan)
Played: 157 Goals: 17 Assists: 23

Grealish became England’s first £100m footballer when he swapped his beloved Aston Villa for Manchester. The high point of his time at City was the Treble season when he was a remarkably effective instrument of control in Guardiola’s 3-2-4-1 formation – and then stole the show with his drink-fuelled celebrations in the days that followed. But things deteriorated from there for English football’s lovable rascal, even if he did win a third successive Premier League title the following season. A maverick by nature, he looked suffocated and lost at times in Guardiola’s carefully-honed system, although injuries did not help. A welcome antidote to the age of robotic footballers, Grealish, with his infectious personality and endearing charm, was immensely popular among players and staff. Now on loan at Everton but currently sidelined with a stress fracture in his left foot.
In a word: Wasted

34. Joleon Lescott (2009-14)

From: Everton (£24m)
To: West Brom (free)
Played: 160 Goals: 9 Assists: 4

Plenty of eyebrows were raised at City’s decision to pay Everton £24m for the defender, but it would prove a smart investment. Lescott formed a formidable centre-back partnership alongside Kompany during the historic title-winning season of 2011-12. He later returned to City after retiring to work as a loans manager and development coach. These days, he can be found playing Sunday League football for Wythenshawe Vets when not on television as a pundit.
In a word: Commanding

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35-45: New guard

35. Rayan Cherki (2025-present)

From: Lyon (£30.5m)
Played: 41 Goals: 9 Assists: 10

One of the most entertaining signings of the season, landing a player of his gifts for just £30m was a real coup. On the ball, the twinkle-toed Frenchman is a joy to behold – all disguised passes, deft touches and mazy runs – and there are signs of him starting to work better and more cleverly out of possession, too. He was outstanding in the Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal. Still only 22, the sky would appear to be the limit.
In a word: Maverick

36. Marc Guéhi (2026-present)

From: Crystal Palace (£20m)
Played: 11 Goals: 1 Assists: 0

It is hard enough signing one top, proven Premier League performer in mid-season, let alone two, but Guéhi’s arrival at the club following Antoine Semenyo’s transfer has certainly elevated City’s squad. Probably the best Premier League defender outside the established top six before his switch to the Etihad, Guéhi has wasted no time making an impact. He is likely to be a mainstay for Thomas Tuchel’s England at the World Cup.
In a word: Robust

37. Antoine Semenyo (2026-present)

From: Bournemouth (£62.5m)
Played: 17 Goals: 7 Assists: 2

From non-league to Champions League in the space of eight years, the Ghana international has enjoyed a remarkable ascent and has hit the ground running with seven goals in 17 games. City beat Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Spurs to Semenyo and his mid-season arrival has brought an added dimension to their attack.
In a word: Meteoric

38. Abdukodir Khusanov (2025-present)

From: Lens (£33.8m)
Played: 39 Goals: 1 Assists: 0

The Uzbekistan defender endured a bruising debut against Chelsea, when he was thrown straight into the starting XI just five days after arriving at the club in January 2025, but a hugely promising centre-back is emerging this season. His performance in the second leg of City’s Champions League defeat to Real Madrid with 10 men underlined his talent. Strong, aggressive and blessed with lightning pace, his reading of the game is improving at a rapid rate. One to watch.
In a word: Budding

39. Jérémy Doku (2023-present)

From: Rennes (£55m)
Played: 120 Goals: 17 Assists: 32

Doku is not the sort of winger any full-back or defender wants to be isolated one-on-one against and there have also been signs this season of the Belgium international being effective from a more central position. He can be unstoppable but is still too inconsistent and occasionally erratic. Guardiola has cast doubt over whether Doku will ever become a prolific scorer of goals but, at 23, he has his best years ahead of him.
In a word: Explosive

40. Matheus Nunes (2023-present)

From: Wolverhampton Wanderers (£53m)
Played: 111 Goals: 5 Assists: 24

Signed as an attacking midfielder, Nunes was sparingly used in his first season and appeared to face an uncertain future, but he has been repackaged with increasingly impressive effect as a dynamic right-back by Guardiola and has made the position his own. His progress was clear to see in the recent Carabao Cup final win over Arsenal.
In a word: Transformed

41. Gianluigi Donnarumma (2025-present)

From: Paris St-Germain (£26m)
Played: 36 Clean sheets:14

After so long with Ederson between the sticks, Donnarumma’s arrival represented something of a departure from the “sweeper-keeper” model for Guardiola. The vastly experienced Italy goalkeeper was known more for his shot-saving than for his feet and distribution and there have been some testing moments, including in how he deals with aerial balls. But he has also delivered some big performances and made some vital saves at key junctures and is well settled in England.
In a word: Presence

42. Nico González (2025-present)

From: Porto (£50m)
Played: 52 Goals: 3 Assists: 0

Signed from Porto in January last year to help plug the hole left by Rodri’s injury, González – who came through the ranks at Barcelona – demonstrated he could be a very useful addition. Guardiola branded him a “mini-Rodri” after a 4-0 win over Newcastle a month after joining. The summer played out against a backdrop of uncertainty around his future and doubts have again been cast about whether he will still be at the club next season, now Rodri is back and his game time has become more limited, despite his impressive performances in the opening months of the campaign.
In two words: Mini Rodri

43. Vitor Reis (2025-present)

From: Palmeiras (£29.6m)
To: Girona (loan)
Played: 4 Goals: 0 Assists: 0

Signed a day after Khusanov, the 20-year-old Brazilian defender played four games for City last season before being loaned to sister club Girona, where he has appeared in all but two of their league games this term. City have high hopes for the youngster and it remains to be seen whether he will be given a chance to compete for a first-team spot next season.
In a word:Patience

44. Sverre Nypan (2025-present)

From: Rosenborg (£12.5m)
To: Middlesbrough (loan)
Played: 0 Goals: 0 Assists: 0

City saw off widespread interest in the Norway midfielder – an international team-mate of Haaland – to sign the teenager last summer. He made 20 appearances on loan for Championship promotion chasers Boro during the first half of this season before returning to City, who are excited by the youngster.
In a word: Potential

45. Claudio Echeverri (2024-present)

From: River Plate (£21.7m)
To: Girona (loan)
Played: 3 Goals: 1 Assists: 0

Much as they did with his compatriot Alvarez, City signed Echeverri from River Plate and then initially loaned him back to the Argentinian club. His City debut came as a substitute in the FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace last season, when he came close to equalising five minutes after coming on and was preferred from the bench to Grealish. His only City start to date came in last summer’s Club World Cup before he was loaned to Bayer Leverkusen. In January, he joined Girona until the end of the season after limited game time in Germany.
In a word: Promise

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46-56: Usefuls

46. Shay Given (2009-11)

From: Newcastle (£6m)
To: Aston Villa (£3.5m)
Played: 69 Clean sheets:20

Another of the first wave of Abu Dhabi signings who helped elevate the team and dressing room before moving on. Given was first choice for 18 months before losing his place in his final season to Joe Hart and eventually transferring to Aston Villa.
In a word: Solid

47. Kolo Touré (2009-13)

From: Arsenal (£14m)
To: Liverpool (free)
Played: 102 Goals: 3 Assists: 1

Touré’s arrival from Arsenal was a significant coup. Twelve months later, the centre-back, part of the Arsenal Invincibles, was joined at City by his younger brother Yaya and together they enjoyed great success – as well as giving fans a memorable chant and dance. In 2011, he was banned for six months after testing positive for a prohibited substance identified as a stimulant in his wife’s weight loss pills. Now a popular member of Guardiola’s back-room staff.
In a word: Brotherly

48. Aleksandar Kolarov (2010-17)

From: Lazio (£16m)
To: Roma (£4.4m)
Played: 247 Goals: 21 Assists: 35

Competed for the left-back spot with Gaël Clichy for several seasons and remembered for having a hammer of a left foot. The Serbian made almost 250 appearances for City and won two Premier League titles before joining Roma in 2017.
In a word: Lefty

49. Fabian Delph (2015-19)

From: Aston Villa (£8m)
To: Everton (£10m)
Played: 89 Goals: 5 Assists: 3

A cruciate knee injury to Benjamin Mendy in September of Guardiola’s first title-winning season saw Delph converted from a midfielder to a left-back, a role he performed admirably. He also achieved a certain cult status for his “basics of football” dressing room address that went viral on social media.
In a word: Basics

50. Omar Marmoush (2025-present)

From: Eintracht Frankfurt (£63m)
Played: 54 Goals: 14 Assists: 6

A very different kind of striker to Haaland, Marmoush joined City at a time when they were coming off the back of arguably their worst few months under Guardiola. The Egyptian underlined his talent with a hat-trick in a 4-0 win over Newcastle, but this season has been disrupted by injuries, the Africa Cup of Nations and limited opportunities. There is a player in there, but can Guardiola find a way to maximise his threat?
In a word: Expectant

51. Danilo (2017-19)

From: Real Madrid (£26.5m)
To: Juventus (£33.7m)
Played: 60 Goals: 4 Assists: 3

Guardiola took to referring to the versatile defender-cum-midfielder as “severino”, a Brazilian word for someone who does all the jobs. Whether at right-back, left-back, centre-half or as a defensive midfielder, the Brazilian’s adaptability made him a handy asset. He joined Juventus after two seasons as part of the deal in which João Cancelo moved in the opposite direction.
In a word: Adaptable

52. Martín Demichelis (2013-16)

From: Atlético Madrid (£4m)
To: Espanyol (free)
Played: 106 Goals: 4 Assists: 1

Initially either injured or vilified at City, Demichelis overcame a deeply unconvincing start to play an important role in the final months of the 2013-14 title season and establish himself as something of a cult hero among fans. He would only play two more games for City after being rinsed by Marcus Rashford in the Manchester derby in March 2016, but is fondly remembered at City.
In a word: Ponytailed

53. Rayan Aït-Nouri (2025-present)

From: Wolverhampton Wanderers (£36.5m)
Played: 26 Goals:0 Assists:6

Injuries and his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations limited his involvement during the first half of the season and he has struggled to dislodge Nico O’Reilly for a regular first-team place, but there have been signs of the left-back kicking on of late.
In a word: Improving

54. Frank Lampard (2014-15)

From: Free agent
To: New York City FC
Played: 38 Goals: 8 Assists: 3

It took City six months to clarify that Lampard was never signed “on loan” from sister club New York City and that the announcement that he had signed a two-year contract effective from August 1, 2014, with the MLS club was a mistake. All that embarrassing confusion aside, Lampard proved a handy addition at the grand old age of 36. Initially signed on a six-month contract, he scored an 85th-minute equaliser against old club Chelsea in only his second game for City, and three more goals followed in his next two appearances. His deal was extended until the end of the season and he captained City in their final game against Southampton when he also scored.
In a word: Useful

55. Craig Bellamy (2009-11)

From: West Ham (£14m)
To: Liverpool (free)
Played: 51 Goals: 15 Assists: 15

Bellamy had his moments in a City shirt and gave Rio Ferdinand a torrid time at Old Trafford in September 2009 when he scored twice, only for Manchester United to claim a last-gasp 4-3 victory thanks to Michael Owen. Injuries were Bellamy’s biggest obstacle. When Hughes was sacked and Mancini came in and introduced double training sessions, it sparked clashes with the fiery Welshman, whose long history of injury issues required a tailored programme. After a brief loan spell with hometown club Cardiff, he rejoined Liverpool.
In a word: Fiery

56. Patrick Vieira (2010-11)

From: Inter Milan (free)
To: Retired
Played: 46 Goals: 6 Assists: 6

One of the greatest midfielders of his generation, Vieira joined on a six-month deal in January 2010 but with the option of a one-year extension that was subsequently triggered. He was part of the squad that won the FA Cup in 2011 and his influence was felt off the pitch as much as on it. Tipped for a period as a future City manager, he spent time working in different departments at the club before going on to manage sister club New York City. His last job in management was at Genoa last year.
In a word: Experienced

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57-67: Nearly men

57. Samir Nasri (2011-17)

From: Arsenal (£24m)
To: Antalyaspor (£2.5m)
Played: 176 Goals: 27 Assists: 39

City beat Manchester United to sign Nasri, who made 65 league appearances across the club’s two title wins in 2011-12 and 2013-14. Capable of brilliance as well as being infuriating at times, he fell foul of Guardiola almost immediately after reporting back for pre-season carrying too much weight. He was subsequently loaned to Sevilla.
In a word: Fat camp

58. Mateo Kovacic (2023-present)

From: Chelsea (£30m)
Played: 90 Goals: 10 Assists: 4

Won the Premier League title in his first season with City, playing 46 games in all competitions. He demonstrated an increased goal threat the season after, scoring seven times when his importance grew in the absence of the injured Rodri, even though the team struggled. The Croatian has only appeared twice this season owing to injury problems and it remains to be seen where he fits when back with Rodri and González both ahead of him.
In a phrase: Won-a-lot

59. Álvaro Negredo (2013-15)

From: Sevilla (£20m)
To: Valencia (£23.8m)
Played: 49 Goals: 23 Assists: 7

The former Spain striker only spent one season at City before being loaned and then sold to Valencia – but what a memorable one it was. Nicknamed “The Beast”, he scored 23 goals in his first 33 games, including hat-tricks against CSKA Moscow in the Champions League and West Ham in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final. Remarkably, after January 21, he did not score again but he finished the campaign with a Premier League title winners’ medal and another for winning the League Cup.
In two words: One-season wonder

60. Tijjani Reijnders (2025-present)

From: AC Milan (£46.5m)
Played: 46 Goals: 7 Assists: 7

The Netherlands midfielder enjoyed a dream debut for City, scoring and running rings around Wolves in a 4-0 win. He has had a decent first season, although City have had so many exceptional midfielders down the years that the bar has been set very high and now the season is entering the business end, he is finding regular starts harder to come by.
In a word: Mixed

61. Jesús Navas (2013-17)

From: Sevilla (£14.9m)
To: Sevilla (free)
Played: 183 Goals: 8 Assists: 35

An orthodox right-winger, Navas had pace to burn and became a favourite of manager Pellegrini, if never really winning over the fans. Returned to Sevilla, where he played for another eight seasons, during which time he won a second Euros with Spain to add to the World Cup he lifted in 2010.
In a word: Fast

62. Savinho (2024-present)

From: Troyes (£33m)
Played: 75 Goals: 6 Assists: 16

By his own admission, Savinho models his game on Mahrez and even wears the same No. 26 that the Algerian did for City, but he has yet to demonstrate the same instinct for goal. There have been flashes of inspiration but he has been too inconsistent. A proposed move to Spurs collapsed late in the summer window and then Tottenham’s plans to renew their interest were derailed when the Brazilian suffered an injury. Although he signed a new contract in October to 2031, it would not be a surprise if he moved on this summer.
In a word: Spursy

63. Gaël Clichy (2011-17)

From: Arsenal (£7m)
To: Istanbul Basaksehir (free)
Played: 203 Goals: 3 Assists: 13

One of a posse of players to swap Arsenal for City over a period of a couple of years, the former France left-back was solid without ever being spectacular and finished with two Premier League titles to add to the one he won in north London.
In a word: Tidy

64. Bacary Sagna (2014-17)

From: Arsenal (free)
To: Released
Played: 86 Goals: 0 Assists: 5

Accused by Arsenal fans of leaving the club and joining City for the money, which Sagna always disputed. His second season was his best when he became a regular starter at right-back and played a handy role in the journey to the Champions League semi-finals.
In a word: Low-key

65. James Trafford (2025-present)

From: Burnley (£27m)
Played: 13 Clean sheets:6

City hijacked Newcastle’s planned move for Trafford by triggering a buy-back option to sign the England goalkeeper two years after he left for Burnley. But any hopes the youngster had of becoming City’s permanent No 1 – and dramatically boosting his England prospects – were rocked just over a month later when Guardiola signed Donnarumma. Trafford ended up losing his spot to the big Italian and has since had to contend with a place on the bench. He has performed admirably when called upon, including the Carabao Cup final win over Arsenal, but it remains to be seen if he is happy playing second fiddle.
In a word: Blindsided

66. Ferran Torres (2020-22)

From: Valencia (£20.8m)
To: Barcelona (£55m)
Played: 43 Goals: 16 Assists: 4

Having inherited the No 21 shirt vacated by another Spaniard, David Silva, who had also arrived from Valencia, Torres enjoyed an encouraging debut season. His second, however, was disrupted by injury and when Barcelona offered a relative fortune for his services in December 2021, it was far too good an opportunity to turn down for a player happy to go.
In two words: Cashed in

67. Stefan Ortega (2022-26)

From: Arminia Bielefeld (free)
To: Nottingham Forest (free)
Played: 56 Clean sheets:25

One of City’s better back-up goalkeepers, Ortega played 22 times last season due to injuries to Ederson, but his most telling contributions came towards the end of the 2023-24 campaign. Arguably the most significant was when he replaced the injured Ederson at Tottenham in the penultimate league game and made a vital 86th-minute save one-on-one against Son Heung-min, a moment Guardiola claimed was the reason Arsenal failed to win the title.
In a word: Spurs

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68-78: Indifferents

68: Fernando (2014-17)

From: Porto (£12m)
To: Galatasaray (£4m)
Played: 102 Goals: 4 Assists: 4

He was signed from Porto in the same summer as Eliaquim Mangala and it is fair to say he performed a lot better than his team-mate, not that that was a high bar. Fernando was a solid defensive midfielder, if not much more. It was his own goal at the Bernabéu in 2016 that saw City eliminated in the Champions League semi-finals by Real Madrid.
In a word: Passable

69. Matija Nastasic (2012-15)

From: Fiorentina (£13m)
To: Schalke (£10m)
Played: 51 Goals: 0 Assists: 0

Arrived at City from Fiorentina as part of an exchange deal with Stefan Savic and enjoyed a strong debut campaign, winning the club’s Young Player of the Season award. Injuries curtailed his second season and by January 2015, having not played for City for five months, he was loaned to Schalke who quickly triggered a permanent option in the deal.
In four words: Flash in the pan

70. Stevan Jovetic (2013-16)

From: Fiorentina (£22.4m)
To: Inter Milan (£12.2m)
Played: 44 Goals: 11 Assists: 5

Injuries were the Montenegro forward’s biggest impediment. He had talent and will probably be best remembered by City fans for his two goals in a 3-1 win over Liverpool in August 2014. Capped 90 times by his country.
In a word: Impeded

71. Javi García (2012-14)

From: Benfica (£15.8m)
To: Zenit St Petersburg (£13m)
Played: 76 Goals: 2 Assists: 0

The defensive midfielder played his part in the 2013-14 title win under Pellegrini but struggled with the pace of the Premier League. Moved to Russia to join Zenit St Petersburg, with City recouping most of their money for the Spaniard.
In a word: Slow

72. Willy Caballero (2014-17)

From: Málaga (£6m)
To: Chelsea (free)
Played: 48 Clean sheets:16

His highlight came in the 2016 League Cup final against Liverpool when he saved three penalties in City’s shoot-out victory, despite criticism going into the game after a poor performance in a 5-1 FA Cup defeat to Chelsea a week earlier. He had form for penalty saves, denying Neymar and Radamel Falcao in the Champions League. Guardiola started with Caballero in goal over the exiled Hart before the Argentinian returned to the role of back-up following Claudio Bravo’s arrival.
In two words: Penalty king

73. Sylvinho (2009-10)

From: Barcelona (free)
To: Retired
Played: 15 Goals: 1 Assists: 0

The former Arsenal, Barcelona and Brazil left-back only spent a season at City as a 35-year-old, but he was a popular figure on and off the pitch and always maintained good relations with the club.
In a word: Veteran

74. Costel Pantilimon (2011-14)

From: Politehnica Timisoara (£3m, after initial loan)
To: Sunderland (free)
Played: 29 Clean sheets:15

At 6ft 8in, the giant Romanian goalkeeper was hard to miss. He briefly usurped Hart in the starting XI but was mainly an understudy during his time at City before joining Sunderland.
In a word: Tall

75. Zack Steffen (2019-24)

From: Columbus Crew (£6m)
To: Colorado Rapids (undisclosed)
Played:21 Clean sheets:8

The US goalkeeper made a high-profile error in an FA Cup semi-final defeat to Liverpool but was generally a safe pair of hands when asked to deputise for Ederson. He was in goal for City’s Carabao Cup final win over Spurs in 2021.
In a word: Stand-in

76. Angeliño (2015-18 & 2019-21)

First spell
From: Deportivo La Coruña (undisclosed)
Second spell
From: PSV Eindhoven (£5.35m)
To: RB Leipzig (£16m)
Played:15 Goals: 0 Assists: 3

Angeliño spent most of his first spell at the club out on loan, including at New York City, but City triggered a buy-back option in 2019 that saw him return to the Etihad briefly. He made just 12 appearances before being sold for a substantial profit to Leipzig.
In a word: Profit

77. Scott Carson (2019-25)

From: Derby County (free after initial loan)
To: Retired
Played: 2 Clean sheets:1

Described by Ederson as the “most loved” player for years in City’s dressing room, the club’s perennial third-choice goalkeeper made just two appearances during his six years at the Etihad, the first of which was on loan from Derby. Somewhat ironically, Carson was the only City player with a Champions League winners’ medal to his name when Guardiola’s side faced Inter Milan in the final in 2023, having been an unused substitute in Liverpool’s Istanbul triumph 18 years earlier. He did not play much but was the dressing room joker.
In a word: Joker

78. Richard Wright (2012-16)

From: Preston North End (free)
To: Retired
Played: 0

The former Arsenal goalkeeper never made a first-team appearance despite four years on City’s books before announcing his retirement, after which he joined Guardiola’s coaching staff.
In a word: Back-up

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79-89: Misfits

79. Eric García (2018-21)

From: Barcelona (undisclosed)
To: Barcelona (free)
Played: 35 Goals: 0 Assists: 1

A misfit, like Brahim Díaz, solely in the sense City never looked like being a long-term home for him. Signed from Barcelona in 2018, he was quickly parachuted into City’s first team set-up after a season captaining the under-18s and went on to make 35 senior appearances. However, his desire to return to his boyhood club became increasingly apparent as he rejected new contract offers from City. Still at Barcelona now.
In a word: Home-bound

80. Brahim Díaz (2015-19)

From: Malaga (£200,000)
To: Real Madrid (£22m)
Played: 15 Goals: 2 Assists: 0

Signed for an initial £200,000 as a 16-year-old from Malaga in 2015, Díaz made his first-team debut the following year. He made a total of 10 appearances during Guardiola’s first title-winning season but with his contract running down and regular minutes sparse he was sold to Real Madrid for a hefty profit in 2019 and always seemed likely to head to Spain. City, aware of Manchester United’s interest in the player, inserted an “anti United” clause in the deal meaning if he ever moved to Old Trafford, they would be entitled to 40 per cent of the profit of any sell-on fee. Díaz was one of City’s tormentors in Real’s recent 5-1 aggregate Champions League triumph.
In a word: Restless

81. Mario Balotelli (2010-13)

From: Inter Milan (£22.5m)
To: AC Milan (£17m)
Played: 80 Goals: 30 Assists: 6

There have been few more colourful figures in the Premier League era than Balotelli, whose eccentric exploits made him a near obsession for the English tabloids. Principal among them was the night his house was set on fire after the player and his friends had let off fireworks in a bathroom. Hours later, Balotelli was scoring twice in a 6-1 thrashing of Manchester United at Old Trafford and brandishing a T-shirt that read: “Why Always Me?”. Mancini would allow Balotelli to smoke in the showers but his indulgence of his fellow Italian eventually began to grate in the dressing room and even the manager tired of the player’s antics. Inside that confused player, though, was someone with a good heart – he became a regular visitor to a refuge by Manchester Cathedral that helped hundreds of the city’s homeless each year.
In a word: Firestarter

82. Robinho (2008-10)

From: Real Madrid (£32.5m)
To: AC Milan (£15m)
Played: 53 Goals: 16 Assists: 13

Famously, Robinho thought he was signing for Manchester United, then the reigning Premier League and Champions League holders, from Real Madrid. City’s manager at the time, Hughes, admitted the player was somewhat disappointed to discover it was not Alex Ferguson meeting him at the airport. The mercurial Brazilian may never have quite hit the heights City hoped for on the pitch but as a signal of Abu Dhabi’s intent the transfer packed a huge punch and English football would never be the same.
In a word: Mercurial

83. Sergio Gómez (2022-24)

From: Anderlecht (£11m)
To: Real Sociedad (£8.4m)
Played: 38 Goals: 0 Assists: 2

He had his moments going forward, but Gómez lacked the defensive prowess needed at left-back and struggled to supplant more established players.
In a word: Filler

84. Adam Johnson (2010-12)

From: Middlesbrough (£7m)
To: Sunderland (£10m)
Played: 97 Goals: 14 Assists: 20

Johnson played 12 times for England during his stint at City when there were flashes of his obvious talent. He made 31 league appearances during his first full season with the club and had an admirer in Mancini but he struggled for consistency. In 2016, four years after leaving City, he was sentenced to six years in prison for grooming and sexual activity with a girl aged 15.
In a word: Inconsistent

85. Wayne Bridge (2009-13)

From: Chelsea (£10m)
To: Reading (free)
Played: 58 Goals: 0 Assists: 0

The second signing of the Abu Dhabi era, Bridge faced accusations of being a “mercenary” for leaving Chelsea for City. He would admit years later that he “followed the money”. The England left-back famously refused to shake hands with John Terry before a match in February 2010 amid claims at the time that his former Chelsea team-mate had had an affair with an ex-girlfriend of Bridge.

The defender started well enough at City but eventually fell out of favour under Mancini, who questioned the player’s motives for staying at the club when he was surplus to requirements. Bridge, in turn, claimed Mancini barely spoke to him. He had loan spells at West Ham, Sunderland and Brighton before joining Reading on a free.
In a word: Monied

86. Emmanuel Adebayor (2009-12)

From: Arsenal (£25m)
To: Tottenham (£5m)
Played: 45 Goals: 19 Assists: 5

Adebayor’s brief but colourful and controversial career at City will forever be remembered for the former Togo striker sprinting to the opposite end of the pitch to celebrate provocatively in front of the Arsenal fans after scoring against his old club in a dramatic 4-2 win at the Etihad. It had followed an acrimonious exit from Arsenal a few months earlier, but despite that extraordinary start, which featured four goals in his first five games, Adebayor eventually felt like he was being frozen out at City and joined Real Madrid on loan 18 months later. A loan and then a permanent switch to Spurs followed.
In a word: Provocateur

87. Jérôme Boateng (2010-11)

From: Hamburg (£10.5m)
To: Bayern Munich (£12.8m)
Played: 24 Goals: 0 Assists: 0

There was no criticising City’s recruitment – Boateng was a top-level defender in the making. But the move came at a difficult time in his personal life with his partner having given birth to twins, he suffered some injuries and his relationship with Mancini was not the easiest. It saw Boateng return to Germany after just a year, but he would never look back after joining Bayern Munich.
In a word: Homesick

88. Stefan Savic (2011-12)

From:Partizan (£7m)
To:Fiorentina (£5m)
Played:21 Goals:1 Assists:0

Savic had a difficult time during his one season at the club but would go on to enjoy an impressive playing career, making almost 300 appearances for Atlético Madrid and representing Montenegro 77 times to illustrate what City initially saw in him. He once pulled Grealish’s hair during a stormy Champions League clash between Atlético and City. Now 35, he is with Trabzonspor in Turkey.
In two words: Learning curve

89. Patrick Roberts (2015-22)

From: Fulham (£11m)
To: Sunderland (free)
Played: 3 Goals: 0 Assists: 0

There was plenty of excitement around Roberts’ potential when he signed from Fulham as an 18-year-old, but he never made the grade. The remarkable thing was he spent seven years on City’s books, during which time he had six different loan moves, before eventually leaving for good in 2022, having made just three first-team appearances.
In a word: Loan-ranger

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90-100: Forgettables

90. David Pizarro (2012)

From: Roma (loan)
To: Roma (loan return)
Played: 7 Goals: 1 Assists: 2

Pizarro had been a key figure at Mancini’s Inter and City’s Italian manager brought him to the club on loan in January 2012 to provide some experience during the title push and with Owen Hargreaves unavailable. The Chilean midfielder did not make enough appearances to qualify for a Premier League winner’s medal.
In a word: Bit-part

91. Stuart Taylor (2009-12)

From: Aston Villa (free)
To: Reading (free)
Played: 1 Clean sheets:0

Signed as a back-up for Given, his only first-team appearance for City came in a 4-2 FA Cup win over Scunthorpe United.
In a word: Cover

92. Marcus Bettinelli (2025-present)

From: Chelsea (undisclosed)
Played: 0

Signed to replace Carson as City’s third-choice goalkeeper after the former England No 1 left City after six years at the Etihad. Yet to play for the club.
In a word: Third-choice

93. Máximo Perrone (2023-25)

From: Vélez Sarsfield (£8m)
To: Como (£11m)
Played: 2 Goals: 0 Assists: 0

Two fleeting substitute appearances were as good as it got for the Argentinian midfielder. He is now impressing with Como in Italy under Cesc Fàbregas, but City got their money back.
In a word: Recouped

94. Aleix García (2015-20)

From:Villarreal (undisclosed)
To:Dinamo Bucharest (free)
Played: 9 Goals: 1 Assists: 0

García’s debut was one to forget, a youthful City comprehensively thrashed 5-1 by Chelsea in the 2016 FA Cup, but the Spanish midfielder did get a number of outings under Guardiola the following season and scored in a League Cup win over Swansea. His career took off at City’s sister club Girona, helping to force him into the Spain squad, and he is now a mainstay at Bayer Leverkusen.
In a word: Late-bloomer

95. Denis Suárez (2011-13)

From: Celta Vigo (£900,000)
To: Barcelona (£2.5m)
Played: 2 Goals: 0 Assists: 0

City beat Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester United to sign a 17-year-old Suárez but he made just two appearances before joining Barcelona. He has gone on to have a solid playing career, which included a brief loan spell at Arsenal.
In a word:Passing-through

96. Marton Fulop (2010)

From: Sunderland (loan)
To: Sunderland (loan return)
Played: 3 Clean sheets:0

Signed on an emergency loan in April 2010 with Given ruled out for the rest of the season with a dislocated shoulder, back-up goalkeepers Stuart Taylor and David González both injured and Hart on loan at Birmingham. Made three appearances against Aston Villa, Tottenham and West Ham.
In a word: Emergency

97. Bruno Zuculini (2014-17)

From:Racing Club (£2.5m)
To:Hellas Verona (undisclosed)
Played:1 Goals:0 Assists: 0

Signed in the summer of 2014 and made his first – and only – City appearance as a substitute for Yaya Touré in the Community Shield win over Arsenal. Despite being assigned a first-team squad number, he was dispatched on loan to Valencia in what would be the first of a series of loan moves before a permanent exit in 2017.
In a word: Short-lived

98. Luca Scapuzzi (2011-14)

From: Portogruaro (free)
To: Como (free)
Played: 2 Goals: 0 Assists: 3

Signed after a successful trial with the elite development squad, the striker made two first-team appearances, including a fruitful League Cup showing against Wolves, before undergoing a series of loan moves. He eventually left permanently in 2014.
In a word: Fleeting

99. Philippe Sandler (2018-22)

From: PEC Zwolle (£2.5m)
To:Feyenoord (free)
Played: 2 Goals: 0 Assists: 0

A Dutch defender who made just two appearances for City, a little over a fortnight apart. Had a period on loan at Anderlecht and Troyes before leaving permanently for Feyenoord in February 2022.
In a word: Who?

100. Gunnar Nielsen (2009-12)

From: Blackburn Rovers (undisclosed)
To: Silkeborg (free)
Played: 1 Clean sheets: 1

The Faroe Islands goalkeeper’s only appearance for City’s first team came as a 76th-minute substitute for Given in a 0-0 draw against Arsenal in April 2010. He had loan spells at Wrexham and Tranmere before moving to Denmark.
In a word: Forgotten

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101-111: Mistakes

101. Nolito (2016-17)

From: Celta Vigo (£13.8m)
To: Sevilla (£7m)
Played: 30 Goals: 6 Assists: 5

Familiar with Guardiola from their Barcelona days together, the Spanish winger made a promising start but he soon faded and found it hard to adapt to both the pace and physicality of the Premier League, the English culture and Manchester weather. He was gone after one season.
In a word: Unsettled

102. Maicon (2012-13)

From: Inter Milan (£3m)
To: Roma (free)
Played: 13 Goals: 0 Assists: 0

Another player Mancini had at Inter that he brought across to Manchester but the Brazilian had injury problems and, even when available, struggled to supplant Zabaleta in the side. When Mancini was sacked at the end of the season, his successor, Pellegrini, wasted little time moving Maicon on.
In a word: Past-it

103. Owen Hargreaves (2011-12)

From: Manchester United (free)
To: Retired
Played: 4 Goals: 1 Assists: 0

Hargreaves scored on an impressive debut for City against Birmingham City in the League Cup but the chronic knee injuries that dogged him for his final three years at Manchester United continued on the other side of the divide, and the following year, the former England midfielder retired.
In a word: Injured

104. Scott Sinclair (2012-15)

From: Swansea (£6.2m)
To: Aston Villa (£2.5m)
Played: 19 Goals: 0 Assists: 0

One of a series of deeply underwhelming signings in the disappointing summer of 2012, when City failed to build on their title triumph, the former England Under-21 winger struggled to make the grade and was loaned to West Bromwich Albion the following season. Another loan move, to Aston Villa, followed before they signed him permanently.
In a word: Overwhelmed

105. Jack Rodwell (2012-14)

From: Everton (£12m)
To: Sunderland (£10m)
Played: 25 Goals: 2 Assists: 0

Rodwell had emerged at Everton as a young defender of real promise who was also capable of playing in midfield but injuries and competition for places meant he never got close to realising his potential at City.
In a word: Stalled

106. Roque Santa Cruz (2009-13)

From: Blackburn (£18m)
To: Málaga (free)
Played: 24 Goals: 4 Assists: 0

Hughes had insisted on signing the Paraguay striker who had done so well for him at Blackburn Rovers but injuries had already started to take their toll at the Lancashire club and he was seldom fit at City. Still, he was a lovely man and a good sport, once agreeing to dress up as Santa Claus so The Sun could have some fun with a Christmas headline.
In a word: Crocked

107. Claudio Bravo (2016-20)

From: Barcelona (£17m)
To: Real Betis (free)
Played: 61 Clean sheets:20

Guardiola wanted a “sweeper-keeper” who was good with his feet after immediately casting aside Hart. The problem was Bravo was not very good at stopping shots. Guardiola finally lost patience in the February of his first season and dropped the error-strewn Chilean for Caballero before signing Ederson. Bravo performed much better as a back-up and played a key role in City’s Carabao Cup success in 2018.
In a word: Blunder

108. Wilfried Bony (2015-17)

From: Swansea City (£28m)
To: Swansea City (£12m)
Played: 46 Goals: 11 Assists: 7

Bony had been a handful for Premier League defences while at Swansea and made his debut for City after winning the Africa Cup of Nations with the Ivory Coast, but he just never got going. His pre-season preparations in 2015 were hampered after contracting malaria and, while there was a brief flurry later that year when he scored eight goals in 14 games, he soon faded. Guardiola quickly made him available for transfer.
In a word: Mistake

109. Kalvin Phillips (2022-present)

From: Leeds United (£45m)
To: Sheffield United (loan)
Played: 32 Goals: 1 Assists: 0

Phillips joined City at a time when he was a mainstay in the England team and one of the Premier League’s most combative and effective defensive midfielders. But it quickly became apparent Guardiola was not convinced and, while his debut season finished with a Treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League winners’ medals, he was peripheral to much of it. Guardiola did not help Phillips’ confidence or plight when he publicly claimed the player returned from the Qatar World Cup overweight – a statement for which the manager subsequently apologised . Now 30, he has spent the last three seasons on loan at West Ham, Ipswich and now Sheffield United with injuries continuing to hamper him. His City contract runs until 2028.
In a word: Outcast

110. Benjamin Mendy (2017-23)

From: Monaco (£52m)
To: Lorient (free)
Played: 75 Goals: 2 Assists: 12

City looked like they had signed their left-back for years to come when Mendy arrived for a then-world record fee for a defender but a blistering start was cut short less than half an hour into his fifth game when he suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. His City career would never recover and things took a more sinister turn when he was charged with eight counts of rape, one of attempted rape and one of sexual assault, which he had denied. City decided to suspend him pending a trial, at which Mendy was acquitted. A retrial for two outstanding charges also saw him cleared. Mendy took City to an employment tribunal which ruled in November 2024 that he was entitled to the majority of the £11m in wages deducted when facing charges.
In a word: Calamity

111. Eliaquim Mangala (2014-19)

From: Porto (£42m)
To: Valencia (free)
Played: 79 Goals: 0 Assists: 3

City signed Mangala for a reported £32m but it later emerged that the fee was closer to £42m due to costs related to the centre-back’s split ownership at Porto. As such, he became the most expensive defender in British transfer history at the time – and never got close to justifying it on the pitch. All told, he made just 57 league appearances during his five years on City’s books, most of the last two of which were spent out on loan. An unmitigated disaster.

In a word: Disaster

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