Manchester City’s rise from the east of Manchester to the summit of the European game is being revisited through the transfer windows that shaped it. Across the nine seasons examined in a financial case, the club spent about €1.44 billion on new players, bringing in many of the names who would define an era at the Etihad Stadium.
An independent commission found City guilty of serious financial breaches covering the 2009-10 to 2017-18 seasons. Its conclusions stated that the club used non-genuine commercial arrangements to overstate revenue and lower its reported costs in an effort to meet Premier League and UEFA financial requirements.
The arrangements were found to have reduced costs by more than £900 million, a figure of roughly €1.05 billion. While the finding has been made, the process has yet to reach the stage at which sporting or financial penalties will be decided. City have rejected the verdict and said they will challenge it.
The transfer windows under examination
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In 2009-10, City spent €147.3 million. Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor each arrived for €29 million, while Joleon Lescott cost €27.5 million.
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The following season brought spending of €183.61 million. Edin Dzeko joined for €37 million, Yaya Toure for €30 million, Mario Balotelli for €29.5 million and David Silva for €28.75 million.
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For 2011-12, Sergio Aguero was the major arrival at €40 million, with Samir Nasri signed for €27.5 million.
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City’s 2012-13 investment totalled €61.95 million. Javi Garcia was among the principal recruits, costing €20 million.
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In 2013-14, the outlay rose to €115.5 million, led by Fernandinho at €40 million. Stevan Jovetic cost €26 million and Alvaro Negredo €25 million.
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The 2014-15 window accounted for €102.8 million. Eliaquim Mangala was the largest purchase at €45 million, followed by Wilfried Bony for €32.3 million.
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City committed €208.47 million in 2015-16, a summer marked by Kevin De Bruyne’s €76 million move, Raheem Sterling’s €64 million arrival and Nicolas Otamendi’s €44.5 million transfer.
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The total for 2016-17 was €216.25 million. John Stones joined for €56 million, Leroy Sane for €52 million, Gabriel Jesus for €32 million and Ilkay Gundogan for €27 million.
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The final season in the examined period, 2017-18, produced the largest spend: €317.5 million. Aymeric Laporte cost €65 million, Benjamin Mendy €58 million, Kyle Walker €52.7 million, Bernardo Silva €50 million and Ederson €40 million.
An unresolved final chapter
The spending record runs alongside the commission’s finding that City’s commercial income and costs had been presented improperly during the same nine-season span. The eventual punishment, if any, remains undecided, and the club’s planned appeal means the case is not yet closed.
