Manchester City have been no strangers to splashing the cash on star signings since Sheikh Mansour's takeover in 2008, and they have established themselves as one of the biggest spending clubs in Europe.
As well as signing high-profile players, the Citizens have taken full advantage of their global scouting network to unearth a number of hidden gems that have since been integrated into the first team and have developed into important players, helping the club win multiple titles and remain competitive across all fronts.
One big-name signing made in 2026 was Antoine Semenyo, who has quickly forced his way into the esteemed list below following his January arrival from Bournemouth.
Here, Sports Mole takes a look at the 10 most expensive signings in Manchester City's history.
10. Jeremy Doku - £55m
© Reuters
From: Rennes
Date: August 24, 2023
Age at the time: 21
Honours at Man City
Premier League (1): 2023-24
EFL Cup (1): 2025-26
FIFA Club World Cup (1): 2023
Community Shield (1): 2024
9. Aymeric Laporte - £57m
From: Athletic Bilbao
Date: January 30, 2018
Age at the time: 23
Man City appearances: 180
Man City goals: 12
Honours at Man City
Premier League (5): 2017-18, 2018-19, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23
FA Cup (2): 2018-19, 2022-23
EFL Cup (3): 2017-18, 2018-19, 2020-21
Community Shield (1): 2018
Champions League (1): 2022-23
UEFA Super Cup (1): 2023
8. Joao Cancelo - £60m (£26m + Danilo)
From: Juventus
Date: August 7, 2019
Age at the time: 25
Man City appearances: 154
Man City goals: 9
Honours at Man City
Premier League (3): 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23
EFL Cup (1): 2020-21
7. Riyad Mahrez - £60m
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From: Leicester City
Date: July 10, 2018
Age at the time: 27
Man City appearances: 236
Man City goals: 78
Honours at Man City
Premier League (4): 2018-19, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23
FA Cup (2): 2018-19, 2022-23
EFL Cup (3): 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21
Community Shield (1): 2018
Champions League (1): 2022-23
6. Rodri - £62m
© Reuters
From: Atletico Madrid
Date: July 4, 2019
Age at the time: 23
Honours at Man City
Premier League (4): 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24
FA Cup (1): 2022-23
EFL Cup (3): 2019-20, 2020-21, 2025-26
Community Shield (2): 2019, 2024
Champions League (1): 2022-23
UEFA Super Cup (1): 2023
FIFA Club World Cup (1): 2023
5. Omar Marmoush - £63.2m
From: Eintracht Frankfurt
Date: January 23, 2025
Age at the time: 25
Honours at Man City
EFL Cup (1): 2025-26
4. Antoine Semenyo - £64m
© Imago / News Images
From: Bournemouth
Date: January 9, 2026
Age at the time: 26
Honours at Man City
EFL Cup (1): 2025-26
3. Ruben Dias - £65m
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From: Benfica
Date: September 29, 2020
Age at the time: 23
Honours at Man City
Premier League (4): 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24
FA Cup (1): 2022-23
EFL Cup (2): 2020-21, 2025-26
Community Shield (1): 2024
Champions League (1): 2022-23
UEFA Super Cup (1): 2023
FIFA Club World Cup (1): 2023
2. Josko Gvardiol - £77m
© Reuters
From: RB Leipzig
Date: August 5, 2023
Age at the time: 21
Honours at Man City
Premier League (1): 2023-24
EFL Cup (1): 2025-26
UEFA Super Cup (1): 2023
FIFA Club World Cup (1): 2023
Community Shield (1): 2024
1. Jack Grealish - £100m
© Reuters
From: Aston Villa
Date: August 5, 2021
Age at the time: 25
Honours at Man City
Premier League (3): 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24
FA Cup (1): 2022-23
Community Shield (1): 2024
Champions League (1): 2022-23
UEFA Super Cup (1): 2023
FIFA Club World Cup (1): 2023