Manchester City's New Signing in Legal Trouble: Guardiola's Pick Faces Backlash

The citizens cannot get out of the problems and now they would face one more. Defender's agent Juma Bah, Patrick Mörk, made a publication in his X account in which he revealed the problem he has with Real Valladolid for complicating the departure of his repersentando before the interest of Manchester City to sign him, so he threatened to take this issue to court and initiate a legal process.

The Most Controversial Signings in Manchester City’s History

Manchester City, one of the most successful football clubs in England in recent years, has made numerous high-profile signings during the club’s rise to dominance in the Premier League. With the financial backing of the Abu Dhabi United Group since 2008, City has transformed from a mid-table team to one of Europe’s elite clubs. However, with immense spending comes scrutiny, and some of their transfers have been controversial for various reasons. These controversial signings have sparked debates about the ethics of club ownership, player behavior, and the competitive integrity of football. From accusations of financial mismanagement to personality clashes, Manchester City has seen its fair share of contentious transfers. Below are some of the most controversial signings in the club’s history.

1. Robinho – The Billionaire’s First Big Purchase

When Manchester City signed Brazilian forward Robinho from Real Madrid in 2008 for a then-British-record £32.5 million, it was a statement signing. Robinho was one of the most talented and promising players in world football, but his move to City raised eyebrows. Robinho’s transfer happened in the midst of the club’s new ownership under Sheikh Mansour, which had just taken control of the club. The signing was viewed by some as a marketing move rather than a purely footballing decision, as City was eager to attract attention and global stars to establish themselves as a top club.

The deal became even more controversial when reports surfaced that Robinho had actually preferred a move to Chelsea but was swayed by City’s ambitious new ownership. His time at the club, however, did not live up to expectations. Robinho failed to adapt to the Premier League, showing flashes of brilliance but also struggling with consistency and fitness. After two years, he was loaned out to Santos in Brazil, before leaving the club altogether. Robinho’s transfer, while ambitious, proved to be a disappointing one, and many critics pointed to it as a classic example of City’s early attempts to buy success without proper planning or long-term vision.

2. Mario Balotelli – The Enigmatic Talent with a Temper

Mario Balotelli’s transfer to Manchester City in 2010 for a reported £24 million was one of the most controversial signings in the club’s history. The Italian striker, known for his immense talent but equally infamous for his volatile personality, arrived from Inter Milan with high expectations. Balotelli’s potential was undeniable—his raw power, skill, and finishing ability made him one of Europe’s most exciting prospects. However, his behavior both on and off the pitch was unpredictable, and his time at City was marked by numerous disciplinary issues.

Balotelli’s most notorious incident was his involvement in a training ground altercation with manager Roberto Mancini. The pair had a strained relationship, and Balotelli’s antics—such as his infamous “Why Always Me?” shirt after scoring a goal in the 2011 Manchester derby—often made headlines. While Balotelli did contribute with some memorable moments, including key goals in City’s title-winning 2011-2012 season, his off-field issues became a major distraction. After a tumultuous two and a half years, Balotelli was sold to AC Milan in 2013.

Despite his undeniable talent, Balotelli’s time at City left a bitter taste due to his lack of discipline and professionalism. The signing was a gamble that ultimately didn’t pay off in the way the club had hoped, leaving many to question whether the club should have pursued a more stable and consistent option.

3. Jack Rodwell – A Flop in the Midfield

In 2012, Manchester City signed English midfielder Jack Rodwell from Everton for £15 million, a fee that raised eyebrows at the time, given Rodwell’s injury history and lack of consistent form in the Premier League. Rodwell was seen as a promising young talent, having earned a reputation as a box-to-box midfielder with great potential at Everton. However, his time at City quickly became a disaster.

Rodwell struggled with injuries throughout his time at the club, which limited his appearances and prevented him from making any significant impact. Despite being at City for several years, he failed to establish himself as a key player, making just 16 Premier League appearances before being loaned out to Sunderland in 2014. His time at City was marked by a lack of playing time and inability to break into the first team, and many criticized the club for signing him in the first place. Rodwell’s signing remains one of the most baffling and controversial in City’s history, with many questioning why the club invested so much money in a player with a history of injury problems and limited playing time.

4. Joleon Lescott – A Defender with Limited Quality

Joleon Lescott’s £22 million move from Everton to Manchester City in 2009 raised a few eyebrows, especially given the timing and nature of the deal. Lescott was a solid Premier League defender but was not considered among the elite center-backs in Europe. Nonetheless, City, in their early days under new ownership, made the move to strengthen their defense, which led to criticism from fans and pundits alike, who felt that City were overpaying for a player with limited top-level experience.

Lescott’s arrival was not helped by his inconsistent performances at City. While he contributed to a strong defense during the club’s early years under Roberto Mancini, he was often exposed in high-stakes matches against top competition. Lescott’s time at City was further marred by his inability to maintain a first-team spot in subsequent seasons, particularly as the club’s defensive options improved with the arrivals of players like Vincent Kompany and Martín Demichelis. Though Lescott was part of City’s 2012 Premier League title-winning squad, his signing was often seen as a reflection of the club’s initial over-eagerness to strengthen the squad without the necessary precision and scouting that would become more characteristic of their later transfers.

5. Eliaquim Mangala – A High-Profile Defensive Bust

One of the most expensive and controversial defensive signings in Manchester City’s history was Eliaquim Mangala, who was brought to the club from Porto in 2014 for a reported £32 million. The French center-back was highly rated for his athleticism and defensive capabilities, but his time at City turned into a cautionary tale of failed transfers. Mangala’s decision-making and ability to perform under pressure were frequently called into question, and he quickly became a liability in the Premier League.

Despite his big-money move, Mangala struggled to adapt to the speed and physicality of English football. He was often caught out of position, made costly errors, and lacked the composure needed for top-level football. Although Mangala had moments of solid performances, these were far outweighed by his mistakes, and after several disappointing seasons, he was loaned out to Valencia in 2016 before eventually leaving the club in 2019.

Mangala’s high transfer fee and underwhelming performances made him one of City’s most controversial signings, and his time at the club remains a major blemish on their otherwise successful transfer history.

Conclusion: The Price of Ambition

Manchester City’s history is filled with both triumphs and controversies, and the club’s transfer strategy has been no exception. While they have made some world-class signings that have contributed to their incredible success, some of their most high-profile purchases have been mired in controversy due to underperformance, personality clashes, or simply being a product of the club’s early over-ambitious spending. Players like Robinho, Balotelli, Rodwell, Lescott, and Mangala serve as cautionary tales of the risks involved in the pursuit of success at any cost. Yet, despite these missteps, Manchester City’s ability to adapt and learn from past mistakes has allowed them to continue building one of the most successful teams in Europe today.