Since taking charge in 2016, Pep Guardiola has transformed Manchester City into one of the most dominant clubs in world football.
A key part of that success has been elite recruitment players who not only brought quality but also fit seamlessly into Pep’s tactical system.
Here’s we decided to make a countdown of the top 10 signings Pep has made at City, ranked by impact, consistency, and legacy.
10. Riyad Mahrez
Signed from: Leicester City (2018)
Fee: £60 million
Trophies: 4× Premier League, 2× FA Cup, 3× EFL Cup, 1× Champions League
Why he’s here: Mahrez is very creativity, composed, and and clutch especially in tight Champions League knockout ties. While not always a guaranteed starter, his technical ability and goals from the right wing were vital during multiple title-winning runs. He left as a legend!
9. Aymeric Laporte
Signed from: Athletic Bilbao (2018)
Fee: £57 million
Trophies: 5× Premier League, 1× Champions League, 2× FA Cup
Why he’s here: At his peak, Laporte was City’s most composed and intelligent centre-back. His left-footed balance helped stabilize the backline, especially in the 2018–19 season, when City edged Liverpool to the title by a single point.
8. John Stones
Signed from: Everton (2016)
Fee: £47.5 million
Trophies: 5× Premier League, 2× FA Cup, 2× EFL Cup, 1× Champions League Why he’s here: Stones has developed under Pep from a raw talent into a world-class defender and even a hybrid midfielder. His role in the 2022–23 treble season was a tactical masterclass — especially his movement into midfield.
7. Bernardo Silva
Signed from: AS Monaco (2017)
Fee: £43.5 million
Trophies: 5× Premier League, 2× FA Cup, 4× EFL Cup, 1× Champions League Why he’s here: Few players match Bernardo’s intelligence, versatility, and work rate. Whether in midfield or on the wing, he’s always been key in controlling tempo and stepping up in crucial fixtures, especially in Europe.
6. Rúben Dias
Signed from: Benfica (2020)
Fee: £62 million
Trophies: 3× Premier League, 1× Champions League, 1× FA Cup
Why he’s here: Dias brought instant leadership and defensive resilience, winning FWA Footballer of the Year in his first season. His commanding presence was the missing piece in Pep’s backline puzzle.
5. Erling Haaland
Signed from: Borussia Dortmund (2022)
Fee: £51 million Trophies: 2× Premier League, 1× FA Cup, 1× Champions League
Why he’s here: A generational striker, Haaland smashed records with 52 goals in his debut season, helping City win the treble. His goal-scoring instinct changed the dynamic of City’s attack completely.
4. Kyle Walker
Signed from: Tottenham (2017)
Fee: £50 million
Trophies: 6× Premier League, 2× FA Cup, 6× EFL Cup, 1× Champions League
Why he’s here: Walker has pace, power, and defensive stability to City’s right flank. His ability to shut down world-class wingers over the years make him special— especially during the treble run.
3. Ederson
Signed from: Benfica (2017)
Fee: £35 million
Trophies: 6× Premier League, 2× FA Cup, 4× EFL Cup, 1× Champions League
Why he’s here: Ederson is the only goalkeeper in Post since the arrival of pep. He’s part of every single pep’s Manchester city’s success . One of the best ball playing goalkeeper in premier league .
2. Rodri
Signed from: Atlético Madrid (2019)
Fee: £62.5 million
Trophies: 5× Premier League, 2× FA Cup, 2× EFL Cup, 1× Champions League Why he’s here:
First Ballon dor winner in Manchester city history. Rodri dictates games, breaks lines, and protects the defense. His Champions League final goal and perfect 2022–23 season (City didn’t lose a single game he played in) make him Pep’s most irreplaceable player today.
1. İlkay Gündoğan
Signed from: Borussia Dortmund (2016)
Fee: £21 million
Trophies: 5× Premier League, 2× FA Cup, 4× EFL Cup, 1× Champions League
Why he’s No.1: Pep’s first signing at City turned out to be one of his most important. Gündoğan stepped up in title deciders, finals, and clutch moments — including a brace in the 2023 FA Cup Final and crucial goals in the 2021 and 2022 league run-ins. As captain during the treble-winning season, he left as a legend.
NOTABLE MENTIONS
Gabriel Jesus
João Cancelo
Nathan Aké
Manuel Akanji
Ferran Torres
Kalvin Phillips
Mateo Kovačić
