Millions Spent, Nothing Won: The Managers with the Costliest Trophy Droughts
In today’s football world, spending big is often seen as the quickest route to glory. But some of the sport’s top managers have burned through eye-watering sums since their last piece of silverware—without any new titles to show for it. Here’s a countdown of the 10 biggest-spending managers still waiting for their next trophy.
10. David Moyes – £200.2 million
After winning the Europa Conference League with West Ham in 2023, Moyes returned to Everton with high hopes. But despite spending over £200 million, the club remains far from a trophy challenge.
9. Marcelino – £216.6 million
The Spaniard last lifted a trophy with Athletic Club in 2021, winning the Spanish Super Cup. Since then, spells in Spain and France have come with significant budgets—but no silverware.
8. Stefano Pioli – £249.4 million
Pioli guided AC Milan to a Serie A title in 2022, but has struggled to replicate that success. Nearly £250 million later—including a stint in Saudi Arabia—the Italian is still chasing another big win.
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7. Arne Slot – £253.7 million
Slot shocked the Premier League by winning the title with Liverpool in his debut season in 2025. But the celebrations were short-lived, as he quickly spent over £250 million on high-profile signings like Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz.
6. Erik ten Hag – £286.5 million
Ten Hag won the Carabao Cup in 2023 and FA Cup in 2024 with Manchester United. But expensive deals for stars like De Ligt and Ugarte couldn’t save him from being sacked—he’s now at Leverkusen, still trophy-hunting.
5. Niko Kovač – £351.4 million
Kovač enjoyed early success at Frankfurt and Bayern but has since struggled to find consistency. Over £350 million spent across Monaco, Wolfsburg, and Dortmund hasn’t delivered another title.
4. Pep Guardiola – £378.2 million
Guardiola last lifted the Premier League trophy in 2024, but a rare trophyless 2025 followed. Even with nearly £380 million spent, Manchester City’s dominance no longer looks like a given.
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3. Unai Emery – £407.5 million
Emery’s last success came in 2021 with Villarreal, winning the Europa League. At Aston Villa, he’s transformed the club with over £400 million in spending—but the wait for a trophy continues.
2. Diego Simeone – £461.9 million
Simeone hasn’t won a trophy since Atlético Madrid’s 2021 La Liga triumph. Despite major signings like Julián Álvarez and nearly half a billion pounds spent, the drought goes on.
1. Mikel Arteta – £863.4 million
Arteta’s last trophy remains the 2020 FA Cup. Since then, Arsenal have come close in both league and cup competitions, but after spending almost £1 billion, fans are growing restless for a major title.
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