Manchester City's Top 10 Most Expensive Players

Manchester City has set new records for transfers in 2026. Enzo Fernandez and Elliot Anderson are now at the top of the club’s list for the most expensive signings.

On the last day of the transfer window, City paid Chelsea €145 million for Argentina's Fernandez. This deal made him the most expensive player in Manchester City’s history. It also matched the Premier League transfer record.

Earlier, City had signed England midfielder Anderson from Nottingham Forest for €135 million. This was a record for the club at that time.

These two signings are part of City’s effort to rebuild their midfield after Rodri left for Barcelona.

Here is the complete list of Manchester City’s 10 most expensive signings, according to PUNCH Online based on the transfer fees reported by FootballTransfers.

Interestingly, Erling Haaland does not appear on this list. His transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City was reportedly €60 million in 2022, PUNCH Online noted.

1. Enzo Fernandez, €145m

From: Chelsea
Year: 2026

Fernandez became Manchester City’s record signing after moving from Chelsea in September 2026. He had joined Chelsea from Benfica for €121 million in January 2023 before coming to City for €145 million.

This deal matched the Premier League transfer record. Fernandez is also the first player to complete two transfers worth over €100 million.

2. Elliot Anderson, €135m

From: Nottingham Forest
Year: 2026

Anderson joined City from Nottingham Forest for €135 million in July 2026. He briefly held the record for the club’s most expensive signing before Fernandez arrived.

The midfielder had made a name for himself as an England international. He shone during the 2026 World Cup before moving to the Etihad.

3. Jack Grealish, €117.5m

From: Aston Villa
Year: 2021

Grealish became the most expensive English player when he signed for City from Aston Villa for €117.5 million in 2021. He played a key role in City’s treble-winning campaign in 2022-23 before going on loan.

4. Ayyoub Bouaddi, €95m

From: Lille
Year: 2026

City signed Moroccan midfielder Bouaddi from Lille for €95 million during the summer of 2026 as part of their midfield changes. The teenager caught attention with his performances before making the move to Manchester.

5. Josko Gvardiol, €90m

From: RB Leipzig
Year: 2023

Gvardiol joined City from RB Leipzig for €90 million in 2023. The Croatia international became one of City’s most expensive defenders and helped the club compete for major trophies after his arrival.

6. Kevin De Bruyne, €76m

From: Wolfsburg
Year: 2015

De Bruyne came from Wolfsburg in 2015 for €76 million, just before Pep Guardiola took charge. The Belgium international became one of the most influential players in City’s history, making over 350 appearances for the club.

He left Manchester City for Napoli on a free transfer in 2025.

7. Omar Marmoush, €75m

From: Eintracht Frankfurt
Year: 2025

Marmoush joined City from Eintracht Frankfurt for €75 million in January 2025. The Egypt international scored 20 goals and provided 14 assists in 27 Bundesliga matches before moving to England.

8. Antoine Semenyo, €72m

From: Bournemouth
Year: 2026

Semenyo became one of City’s key attacking signings in 2026 after joining from Bournemouth for €72 million. The Ghana international had a great run with Bournemouth, attracting interest from several clubs.

9. Ruben Dias, €71.6m

From: Benfica
Year: 2020

Dias moved to Manchester City from Benfica for €71.6 million in 2020. The Portugal international quickly became a vital part of City’s defence, winning the FWA Footballer of the Year award in his first season in England.

10. Rodri, €70m

From: Atletico Madrid
Year: 2019

Rodri joined City from Atletico Madrid for €70 million in 2019. The Spain midfielder became a key player during City’s most successful time, scoring the winning goal in the 2023 Champions League final and winning the Ballon d’Or in 2024.

Rodri left City for Barcelona in 2026.

Man City’s 10 most expensive signings, Rank Player From Fee Year

1. Enzo Fernandez Chelsea €145m 2026
2. Elliot Anderson Nottingham Forest €135m 2026
3. Jack Grealish Aston Villa €117.5m 2021
4. Ayyoub Bouaddi Lille €95m 2026
5. Josko Gvardiol RB Leipzig €90m 2023
6. Kevin De Bruyne Wolfsburg €76m 2015
7. Omar Marmoush Eintracht Frankfurt €75m 2025
8. Antoine Semenyo Bournemouth €72m 2026
9. Ruben Dias Benfica €71.6m 2020
10. Rodri Atletico Madrid €70m 2019

The amounts are based on reported fees in the FootballTransfers ranking. They can change between sources depending on add-ons and how transfer payments are calculated.