Pep Guardiola has made Manchester City one of the most powerful teams in the world of football since he took over as manager in 2016.
Elite recruiters who not only contributed quality but also blended in well with Pep’s tactical system have been crucial to that success.
Here, we’ve compiled a list of Pep’s top ten City signings, arranged by legacy, influence, and consistency.
10. Mahrez Riyad
From Leicester City (2018), signed
Cost: £60 million
Four Premier League, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups, and one Champions League trophy
The reason he is here: Mahrez is incredibly creative, calm, and decisive, particularly in close Champions League knockout matches. Even though he wasn’t always a starter, his technical skill and right wing goals were crucial throughout several championship campaigns. As a legend, he departed!
9. Laporte, Aymeric
From: Athletic Bilbao (2018), signed
Cost: £57 million
Trophies: 2× FA Cup, 1× Champions League, and 5× Premier League
The reason he is here: Laporte was City’s calmest and smartest center-back when he was at his best. Particularly during the 2018–19 season, when City defeated Liverpool by a single point to win the championship, his left-footed balance helped anchor the backline.
8. Stones, John
From Everton (2016), signed
Cost: £47.5 million
Five × Premier League, two × FA Cup, two × EFL Cup, and one × Champions League trophy The reason he is here: Under Pep, Stones has transformed from an undeveloped prospect into a top-tier defender and even a hybrid midfielder. He played a tactical masterclass during the 2022–2023 treble season, particularly with his shift into midfield.
7. Silva Bernardo
From: AS Monaco (2017), signed
Cost: £43.5 million
Trophy: 1× Champions League, 4× EFL Cup, 2× FA Cup, and 5× Premier League The reason he is here: Bernardo’s intelligence, adaptability, and work ethic are uncommon among footballers. He has always been essential in regulating the pace and stepping up in pivotal games, particularly in Europe, whether playing in midfield or on the wing.
6. Dias Rúben
From Benfica, signed in 2020
Cost: £62 million
Trophies: 1× FA Cup, 1× Champions League, and 3× Premier League
The reason he is here: Dias won FWA Footballer of the Year in his debut season thanks to his immediate leadership and defensive tenacity. The final piece in Pep’s backline puzzle was his imposing presence.
5. Haaland, Erling
Borussia Dortmund (2022) is the signatory.
£51 million is the fee. Trophies: 1× FA Cup, 1× Champions League, and 2× Premier League
The reason he is here: Haaland is a striker of a generation who helped City win the treble by smashing records with 52 goals in his first season. His penchant for scoring goals fundamentally altered City’s offensive strategy.
4. Walker, Kyle
Tottenham is the signer (2017).
Cost: £50 million
Six × Premier League, two × FA Cup, six × EFL Cup, and one × Champions League trophy
The reason he is here: Walker provides City’s right side with speed, strength, and defensive consistency. He is unique because he has shut down elite wingers over the years, particularly during the triple run.
3. Ederson
From: Benfica (2017), signed
Cost: £35 million
Trophy: 1× Champions League, 4× EFL Cup, 2× FA Cup, and 6× Premier League
Why he’s here: Since Pep arrived, Ederson has been Post’s lone goalie. He contributes to the success of Manchester City. among the Premier League’s top goalkeepers when it comes to ball play.
2. Rodri
Signed in 2019 by Atletico Madrid
The cost is £62.5 million.
Trophy: 1× Champions League, 2× FA Cup, 2× EFL Cup, and 5× Premier League His reason for being here:
The first Ballon Dor winner in the history of Manchester City. In addition to breaking lines and protecting the defense, Rodri controls games. His goal in the Champions League final and his flawless 2022–23 season—in which City played in every game—make him Pep’s most valuable player right now.
1. Gündoğan İlkay
Borussia Dortmund (2016) is the signatory.
Cost: £21 million
Trophy: 1× Champions League, 4× EFL Cup, 2× FA Cup, and 5× Premier League
Why he’s number one: Pep’s first acquisition at City ended up being one of his most significant moves. With a brace in the 2023 FA Cup Final and pivotal goals in the 2021 and 2022 league run-ins, Gündoğan excelled in championship deciders, finals, and pivotal occasions. He departed as a legend after serving as captain during the season they won the triple.
REMARKABLE MENTIONS
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