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Credit: Imago

Chris Smith

Fri 15 August 2025 15:47, UK

Manchester City have been the ultimate money-spending force in European football over the past decade.

Backed by Sheikh Mansour, the Cityzens have parted with eye-watering levels of cash to secure the world’s best talent.

In the process, they’ve won eight of the 17 Premier League titles contested since Mansour’s takeover, alongside three FA Cups, six EFL Cups and a much-coveted Champions League crown.

Of course, Man City’s spending has not come without controversy, but supporters have revelled in the success it has brought.

So, who has cost City the most during this lavish period that has redefined the club’s history?

Here are their top five most expensive transfers.

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Joao Cancelo and Riyad Mahrez each cost City £60million, and both tasted success at the Etihad, though to very different degrees.

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Cancelo spent just two full seasons at the club, arriving from Juventus midway through the 2019/20 campaign and departing for Bayern Munich in January 2023.

However, he was sensational during his 154 appearances for the club, often performing best as an inverted left-back as he picked up three Premier League titles and two domestic cups.

Mahrez, meanwhile, spent five years at the Etihad Stadium, becoming a firm fan favourite with his 78 goals and 59 assists in 236 appearances leading to four league titles, several domestic cups and, of course, a Champions League crown.

The Algerian now plays for Saudi side Al-Ahli but recently returned to visit his old manager and teammates during pre-season.

Ruben Dias has been a rock at the back for City (Credit: Imago)

For many, Ruben Dias’ arrival at Man City was seen as a direct response to Liverpool’s crucial capture of Virgil van Dijk.

While even the Portugal international cannot match the standards Van Dijk has set, he’s arguably come as close as anyone.

Dias has clocked over 200 games for City and has often worn the captain’s armband, lifting a truckload of honours and also winning several individual accolades – including multiple Player of the Year awards for his 2020/21 campaign.

There haven’t been any central defenders better than Dias over the past five years, and at 28 years old, there’s still plenty left in the tank.

Rodri has won a Ballon d’Or during his time at the Etihad (Credit: Imago)

Rodri might just be the most paradigm-shifting signing on this list.

The Spanish midfielder has been revolutionary for Manchester City, proving himself as the ultimate possession metronome and defensive shield for those behind him.

Rodri’s importance is arguably shown most by just how much Manchester City fell off last season following his ACL injury – though the 2024 Ballon d’Or award isn’t exactly a bad way to prove a point, either.

And of course, Rodri will forever be the first-ever scorer of a Champions League-winning goal for Manchester City, which is quite fitting given how vital he’s been to this era of Pep Guardiola’s side.

Gvardiol’s versatility is a manager’s dream (Credit: Imago)

Josko Gvardiol has been a wonderful utility man for Manchester City, performing to a world-class standard whether deployed as a left-back or centre-back.

A record of 11 goals and five assists in 97 appearances is not to be sniffed at as a defender, with nine strikes in 65 Premier League outings even a better record than many forward players.

Gviardiol is quick, powerful and technically sound, and at just 23 years old, could have his position in the City defence locked down for some time yet.

Jack Grealish is now on loan at Everton (Credit: Imago)

England’s first £100m player, Jack Grealish’s time at Manchester City has been complicated to say the least.

The 29-year-old was wonderful during his first two campaigns, registering 11 goals and 15 assists to mop up Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup titles — including the famous 2022/23 treble.

But since then, it’s all gone sour, with Grealish slowly but surely losing his place in the team.

An overall record of 17 goals and 23 assists in 157 appearances for City is a surprisingly poor record for a player of his standards, and now, he’ll look to get his career back on track — at club and international level – on loan at Everton.

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