Manchester City’s most expensive transfers: Haaland barely makes the top ten

Manchester City is known for its big shopping spree. Thanks to the unlimited budget of their wealthy owners, the Citizens have already spent big. And they’re not stopping with the spending, with Erling Haaland coming in for 60 million euros.

It has to be said that Haaland’s transfer has been a real success for the Citizens. A player who is worth 150 million euros, they will get for “only” 60 million euros thanks to the buyout clause. Whether it will work on the pitch remains to be seen.

However, Haaland is definitely not one of the Citizens’ most expensive transfers. Let’s take a look at the 10 most expensive.

1. Jack Grealish – 117 million euros

Last summer, the Citizens broke not only their own record, but also that of the entire Premier League. Jack Grealish arrived from Aston Villa for 177 million euros. The transfer of the 25-year-old versatile player cannot be evaluated as a successful one yet, he didn’t get a place in the starting line-up and his stats are also poor.

2. Kevin De Bruyne – 76 million euros

This one, on the other hand, was a complete dud. Guardiola made De Bruyne the best midfielder in the Premier League and quite possibly the best player in the entire league. He led the Citizens to three titles, now he has a fourth on his radar. His numbers are staggering.

3. Rúben Dias – 68 million euros

When Dias arrived last winter, he immediately took Manchester City’s defensive game to a new level. Thanks to him, the Citizens kept several clean sheets in a row and subsequently won the league title with ease. He hasn’t been in that form this season, he has also suffered some injuries, but he is still only 23 years old.

4. Riyad Mahrez – €67.8 million

Mahrez fired in Leicester’s title run, but he stayed with the Foxes for a while. Before the 2018/19 season, however, he had effectively left, with Manchester City paying €67.8 million for him. Mahrez gradually earned a place in the starting lineup and became an important player.

5. João Cancelo – €65 million

A very successful transfer. Cancelo has gradually become a key player for the Citizens, starting at either left or right back. However, he performs brilliantly everywhere and is important for Guardiola in his role as a full-back who goes into the middle of the park when building play.

6. Aymeric Laporte – €65 million

Laporte came to City in the 2017/18 season, with Bilbao shelling out €65 million for him. Last season he rather covered the back of the Dias – Stones pairing, this season he is also a frequent number one due to injuries to both. He also added 4 goals.

7. Raheem Sterling – €63.7 million

A player brought in early on by Guardiola and has played a significant role in all of the Citizens titles. He was much criticised for his productivity and lack of goals, but he has improved that and has netted 23, 25 and 31 goals consecutively in the 2017/18, 2018/19 and 2019/20 seasons. This season, he is more of a substitute in important games, but still has 16 goals.

8. Rodri – €62.7 million

A defensive midfielder for whom Atlético Madrid cashed in €62.7 million. Guardiola wanted him badly as he fits exactly into his style of play, which is why he was not reluctant to pay such an amount.

9. Erling Haaland – €60 million

Up in ninth place we find one of the biggest stars in world football and a fresh signing, Erling Haaland. He came relatively cheaply to the Citizens, at just 60 million euros. Whether he lives up to expectations remains to be seen.

10. Benjamin Mendy – 57.5 million euros

The player Manchester City would most like to erase from their records. Not for the fact that he has never properly made a name for himself and has spent most of his time at City, that’s going to happen. But he is currently in custody for over 9 months on charges of raping 7 girls. Management immediately terminated Mendy’s contract and covered all traces of him.

Source: Transfermarkt