The 15 Biggest Transfers of Pep Guardiola’s Managerial Career

May 21, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

Pep Guardiola has built some of the most iconic teams in modern football—and that has often meant spending big. Across his time at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City, he’s never been afraid to invest heavily in players who fit his philosophy.

Here are the 15 most expensive signings of his career, ranked from lowest to highest.

15. Leroy Sané – £37m

In 2016, Manchester City signed Leroy Sané from Schalke for £37 million. Although the German winger showed flashes of brilliance, he never fully convinced and later moved to Bayern Munich.

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14. John Stones – £47.5m

John Stones joined City from Everton in 2016. Initially inconsistent, he eventually became a key figure in Guardiola’s defense and a pioneer of the ball-playing center-back role.

13. Nico González – £50m

Signed from Porto in January 2025, Nico González was brought in to cover for the injured Rodri. The Spanish midfielder is still adapting, but Pep sees long-term potential.

12. Erling Haaland – £52m

City activated Erling Haaland’s release clause at Borussia Dortmund in 2022. He instantly became a goal-scoring phenomenon, netting 36 Premier League goals in his first season.

11. Matheus Nunes – £53m

After a breakout campaign with Wolves, Nunes joined City in 2023 for £53 million. Though he didn’t start regularly, he remains an intriguing option for the future.

10. Jeremy Doku – £55.5m

Doku was signed from Stade Rennais in 2023 to add speed and unpredictability. The Belgian winger made 43 appearances in his debut season, registering six goals and ten assists.

9. Zlatan Ibrahimović – £56.5m

Zlatan Ibrahimovic — Photo: ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Zlatan joined Barcelona from Inter Milan in 2009 as part of a blockbuster swap with Samuel Eto’o and cash. Despite a strong start, tensions with Pep led to a swift departure.

8. Aymeric Laporte – £57.2m

In 2018, City paid Laporte’s release clause to sign him from Athletic Club. The French-Spanish defender became a reliable presence before joining Al-Nassr in 2023.

7. Omar Marmoush – £59m

After an explosive spell at Eintracht Frankfurt, Omar Marmoush moved to City in 2024 for £59 million. He made an instant impact, including a hat-trick in just his second start.

6. Joao Cancelo – £60m

Photo: Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Cancelo arrived from Juventus in 2019 in a deal that included Danilo going the other way. His inverted full-back role revolutionized City’s buildup before he was loaned out following a fallout.

5. Riyad Mahrez – £60m

Mahrez joined City from Leicester in 2018 after starring in their title-winning season. He became one of the most decorated African players in Premier League history before leaving in 2023.

4. Rodri – £62.5m

Signed from Atlético Madrid in 2019, Rodri became City’s midfield anchor. His intelligence and composure led to him being regarded as the best defensive midfielder in the world.

3. Ruben Dias – £65m

Rúben Dias — Photo: ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Ruben Dias moved from Benfica to City in 2020 and immediately stabilized the defense. He won multiple individual awards and played a pivotal role in City’s trophy haul.

2. Josko Gvardiol – £77.6m

Joško Gvardiol — Photo: Ververidis Vasilis / Shutterstock.com

The Croatian joined from RB Leipzig in 2023 and became the most expensive U21 signing in Premier League history. His debut season was solid, showing composure beyond his years.

1. Jack Grealish – £100m

Manchester City broke the bank to sign Jack Grealish from Aston Villa in 2021. Though his form has fluctuated, he played a vital role in City’s 2022/23 treble-winning season.