In light of the eye-opening summer transfer window Manchester City just closed, we’re taking a look back at the most significant transfer classes of the post-takeover era.
In the first part of our five-part series, we covered summer 2019’s transfers, including Rodri and Joao Cancelo.
Today, we’re reviewing the 2017 class.
Key signings: Ederson, Bernardo Silva, Kyle Walker, Benjamin Mendy
City supporters mention Silva as one of the greatest players ever to wear sky blue. That could be true.
But Ederson was the most consequential signing of this transfer window.
The Brazilian arrived at 23 having won five trophies in two seasons at Portuguese giants Benfica. Then all he did at City was revolutionise the goalkeeping position. He became the perfect keeper for Pep Guardiola’s football: An outstanding distributor comfortable playing high outside his penalty area and capable of launching attacks with extraordinary accuracy.
Ederson spent eight seasons as Guardiola’s first-choice keeper, making 372 appearances and winning 18 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and City’s first Champions League.
Silva arrived at 22 after helping Monaco win Ligue 1 and reach the Champions League semis. Initially signed as an attacking midfielder, Bernardo became one of Guardiola’s most versatile and trusted players, operating on either wing, as a No. 8 or in deeper midfield roles.
His statistics tell only part of the story. Silva became the most-used player of Guardiola’s managerial career, finishing his City career with 460 appearances, 76 goals and 20 major trophies.
He could press, carry the ball, retain possession under extreme pressure, create chances, score important goals and perform whatever tactical role Guardiola required. His two goals against Real Madrid in the 2023 Champions League semifinal became one of the defining individual performances of City’s road to the treble.
Walker solved a different problem.
Signed to replace the departing Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna at right-back, Kyle Walker immediately brought something Guardiola desperately valued: elite recovery speed.
His pace allowed City to push the defensive line higher without leaving them exposed. Walker could spend much of a match operating as an attacking full-back and then recover 30 or 40 yards when possession was lost. Over nearly eight seasons, he made 319 appearances and won 18 major honours.
His role also evolved. As Guardiola’s tactics became increasingly sophisticated, Walker could play as a conventional right-back, tuck inside or effectively operate as a third centre-back.
Silva’s teammate Mendy came over at age 23 having just been named to the Ligue 1 Team of the Year. City viewed him as one of Europe’s outstanding attacking full-backs.
But injuries disrupted his City career. He made only 73 appearances for the club before his departure, although he still won three Premier League titles and every major domestic honour available to him during his time with the club.
