The Manchester City It has been owned by the Sheikhs of the United Arab Emirates since summer 2008. You may not remember them, but these are the 10 first signings than their current owners made in which currently one of the best clubs in the world:
Despite the fact that in August 2008 they made 11 signings, only Robinho’s was carried out by its current owner. They took over the club on August 30 and had time to take it away from Real Madrid, for an incredible amount 13 years ago and at such a tight time in the market.
It would be in the summer of 2009 when Manchester City would make their first big investment. The most expensive player they took was Adebayor, who came from a direct rival like Arsenal. After a year and a half he went on loan to Real Madrid.
Tevez’s was one of the great blows of the Premier in the past decade. He had formed a fearsome front with Cristiano, Rooney, Giggs and Nani at Ferguson’s United, with whom he won the Champions League in 2008 and was runner-up in 2009. That same summer he changed the sidewalk in Manchester and after a few years he would go to Juventus .
One of the obsessions of ‘modern’ Manchester City has always been to strengthen its defense. The first big signing they made for the defense was that of Lescott, also in 2009. He came from Everton and settled for years as a starting central defender.
A veteran player like Santa Cruz brought experience at a ‘new’ club. He had had his best years at Bayern, although he came from Blackburn Rovers also in 2009. In Spain he would later play for Málaga.
Arsenal were not only hurt in attack by City. The same summer they also lost a pillar of their defense such as Kolo Touré. A couple of years later he would coincide with his brother Yaya, who signed from Barcelona.
Gareth Barry made much of his career at Aston Villa. There he became almost a legend and was even international several times with the English team. Then he would make the jump to the Etihad Stadium.
Equal Johnson is one of the less flashy signings of that first billionaire City. This English winger came from Middlesbrough, although he never finished settling. He became more famous for spending 3 years in prison after he abused a minor.
After a successful stint at Barcelona, which Sylvinho closed with a historic treble, the Brazilian went free to Manchester City. It was not very important there.
Patrick Vieira was one of the best defensive midfielders of the beginning of the century. He went through the Arsenal of the invincibles, Juventus, Inter Milan and finally Manchester City. An incredible career in which he won everything, also with the French team.