Top 10 biggest transfers in Manchester City history

Few clubs can rival Manchester City when it comes to success in the transfer market. Backed by wealthy owners, the club has assembled a formidable squad over the past decade through a series of high-profile signings. Bringing in elite talent from across the world often requires spending vast sums, and City have rarely hesitated to do so.

This financial strength gives the Premier League champions a clear advantage over many of their rivals. However, it’s not just about money. Manchester City deserve credit for a well-thought-out recruitment strategy that focuses on signing players who are not only world-class but also perfectly suited to the club’s style of play. Unlike their neighbours Manchester United, City’s big-money signings have, more often than not, lived up to expectations.

Here are the top 10 biggest Manchester City buys

10. Raheem Sterling – €63.7m

Raheem Sterling was among the high-profile signings Manchester City made as they transformed into a world-class team and began dominating English football. In 2015, City paid €63.7 million to sign the England international from Liverpool, a bold move at the time given he was just 20 years old. Sterling went on to play a key role in City’s trophy-laden era, and he is now plying his trade with Chelsea FC.

9. Aymeric Laporte – €65m

Manchester City have invested heavily in strengthening their defence over the years, and one of their most high-profile signings was Aymeric Laporte. The centre-back joined the club from Athletic Club in Spain for a fee of €65 million.

During his time at the Etihad, Laporte enjoyed tremendous success, winning six Premier League titles and making 180 appearances for Manchester City across all competitions.

8. Joao Cancelo – €65m

João Cancelo proved to be a statement signing for Manchester City and quickly justified the club’s hefty investment. The Cityzens paid €65 million to bring him in from Juventus in 2019, making him the second-most expensive right-back in the world at the time. During his spell at the Etihad, Cancelo played a key role in City’s success, helping the club win three Premier League titles and their long-awaited Champions League crown.

7. Riyad Mahrez – €67.8m

Riyad Mahrez played a pivotal role in Leicester City’s incredible Premier League triumph in 2016, achieving the feat against seemingly insurmountable odds. In 2018, Manchester City secured his services for a hefty €67.8 million. But the investment quickly proved its worth, as Mahrez went on to help the club claim five Premier League titles, three League Cups, and an FA Cup.

Under Pep Guardiola, Mahrez became one of City’s go-to players whenever a decisive goal was needed, consistently delivering in crucial moments.

6. Ruben Dias – €68m

Rúben Dias is Manchester City’s second-most expensive defender, with the club paying €68 million to SL Benfica for the standout centre-back. Since his arrival in the 2020-21 season, Dias has been a game-changer for City, quickly establishing himself as a key figure in the team.

One of the most costly centre-backs in history, Dias has already helped City secure four Premier League titles—and it looks likely there will be more to come in the years ahead.

5. Omar Marmoush – €70m

After an impressive spell at his previous club, Manchester City paid a hefty €70 million to sign the Egyptian forward, making him one of the most expensive signings in the club’s history. Despite the big move, Marmoush has yet to make a major impact at City. Fans are hopeful that he will soon find his form and show his true potential.

4. Antoine Semenyo – €71.97m

Ghana international Antoine Semenyo has joined Manchester City from Bournemouth in a club-record deal reportedly worth £65 million (€71.97m). City triggered Semenyo’s release clause just in time, with the activation deadline falling on Saturday.

Semenyo will wear the number 42 shirt, previously worn by Yaya Touré, who won three Premier League titles during his eight years at the club. The forward has signed a contract that keeps him at the Etihad Stadium until 2031.

3. Kevin De Bruyne – €76m

Kevin De Bruyne is Manchester City’s third most expensive signing. The Belgian, who had previously played for Chelsea, was at VfL Wolfsburg when City paid €76 million to bring him to England in 2015. The transfer was a key part of Pep Guardiola’s plans, with De Bruyne deployed in multiple roles across the midfield.

Renowned for his versatility and technical brilliance, De Bruyne quickly established himself as one of the world’s top midfielders. After several successful seasons at the Etihad, where he helped the club win numerous trophies, he eventually moved on, leaving a lasting legacy.

2. Josko Gvardiol – €90m

Manchester City has signed the most expensive defender in football history. Pep Guardiola had been tracking the Croatian centre-back ever since their last encounter in the Champions League. Having already won back-to-back DFB-Pokal titles with RB Leipzig, he brings valuable experience despite his young age. At just 23, he looks set for a bright future at the club.

1. Jack Grealish – €117.5m

Jack Grealish became Manchester City’s most expensive signing in history when the club paid €117.5 million to Aston Villa in 2021, making him the most expensive British player ever and the seventh-most expensive transfer of all time.

While he did help City win the Premier League in his first season, Grealish managed only six goals and four assists in 39 appearances, falling short of the high expectations that came with his record-breaking price tag.

Cover Credits - Sky Sports