Manchester City’s Most Expensive Transfer XI
Since Manchester City received the backing of Sheikh Mansour in the latter parts of the previous decade, they have not been shy in splashing out the money in the transfer market to attract the top talents from across the world. Year after year, the Sky Blues have spent heavily in building a squad able to challenge for the honours in England and Europe and they have had decent success in their endeavours as well.
Here we take a look at the most expensive Manchester City line-up, featuring players that cost the most in their respective positions.
Ederson Moraes (GK) – £34.6million
The Brazilian shot stopper arrived last month from Portuguese champions SL Benfica. The fee that City paid for him was the world-record for a goalkeeper. We’ll soon know if it proves to be a shrewd investment by the club.
Kyle Walker (RB) – £50million
The most hair-rising transfer of the summer, City signed Walker from fellow Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur, making him the most expensive defender in the world. Can Walker live up to the mountainous transfer fee that he amounted to? Not long before we find out.
John Stones (CB) – £47.5million
The most expensive English defender until Walker displaced him last week, Stones arrived at the Etihad last summer from Everton. With huge expectations surrounding him, the England international had a fairly subdued and below par first season with the Citizens. Will need to pull his weight this season.
Eliaquim Mangala (CB) – £32million
One of the biggest flop transfers for City in recent times, Mangala came in from FC Porto in 2014 and after two years of error-strewn performances at the heart of the defence under Manuel Pellegrini, Guardiola shipped him out on loan to Valencia last season. Headed for a summer exit?
Aleksandar Kolarov (LB) – £18.9million
The Serbian left-back has been one of the few players who has been able to survive the three regime changes at City – from Roberto Mancini to Pellegrini to Guardiola. Signed from Lazio in 2010, Kolarov has enjoyed good success at City and was part of the two Premier League title winning sides. Has gone on to make close to 250 appearances for the club.
Fernandinho (DM) – £34million
Bought from Shakhtar Donetsk in the summer of 2013, Fernandinho did not take long to establssh himself as an indispensable member of the team at Etihad. One of the best defensive midfielders in England, the Brazilian was a vital part of Guardiola’s regime last season as well. Money well spent for City without a question.
Raheem Sterling (RW) – £49million
Bought after much furore from Liverpool in the summer of 2015, Sterling has struggled to live up to the expectations that came along with the hefty price tag. There have been glimpses of his exciting potential, but the element of consistency has been missing from his game.
Bernardo Silva (RAM) – £43million
Another new signing of this summer, Silva arrives with great promise after his exploits with AS Monaco last season, helping the French outfit to the Ligue1 title and a semi-final run in the Champions League. Has all the abilities to be a huge success at the club.
Kevin De Bruyne (LAM) – £55million
One of the best transfers completed by the Citizens in recent history, the Belgian, signed from Wolfsburg, cost them a large chunk of money but has more than justified it with his displays. One of the finest attacking midfielders in England and arguably in Europe, De Bruyne topped the assists charts in the Premier League last season and scored goals in good numbers too. Worth every penny spent!
Leroy Sane (LW) – £37million
One of Pep Guardiola’s signings last summer, the German has great potential and after a slow start to the season, grew prominently in the second period, finishing with 9 goals. Has all the requisite talent to develop into a world-class player.
Sergio Aguero (ST) – £38million
And completing the line-up will be one of Europe’s most lethal marksman Sergio Aguero. The Argentine international arrived from Atletico Madrid in 2011 and wrote himself into the folklore with that last minute goal against QPR in the final game of his debut season, that won City the league title. Second highest goal-getter in the club’s history with 169 goals, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that he has attained a legendary status at the club.
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