The definitive list of Guardiola's worst signings for Manchester City

Since Pep Guardiola took charge of Manchester City in 2016, the club has enjoyed remarkable success, including winning multiple Premier League titles and domestic cups. Guardiola's influence has transformed City into one of the most dominant teams in Europe, with a playing style based on possession, high pressing, and fluid attacking play. However, despite his success, not every signing has been a hit. Some players, while talented, have failed to live up to expectations at the club. Below is a look at some of the worst signings during Guardiola’s tenure at Manchester City.

1. Claudio Bravo (2016)

Claudio Bravo's arrival at Manchester City was one of the most controversial signings of Guardiola’s early years at the club. The Chilean goalkeeper was brought in from Barcelona to replace Joe Hart, who was deemed not to be a good fit for Guardiola’s playing style. Bravo, known for his ability with the ball at his feet, was expected to bring composure to City’s defense and help them play out from the back.

However, Bravo’s time at City was marked by numerous mistakes and poor performances. His shot-stopping abilities were often questioned, and he struggled in high-pressure moments, especially in the Premier League. Bravo’s high-profile errors, including costly blunders in the Champions League and domestic competitions, led to him being quickly displaced by Ederson in 2017. Although Bravo did contribute to City’s domestic cup successes, his signing is often considered a failure, as he was unable to meet the high expectations set by Guardiola.

2. Benjamin Mendy (2017)

When Manchester City signed Benjamin Mendy from AS Monaco in 2017, it was seen as a major coup. Mendy had impressed during Monaco’s successful Ligue 1 title-winning season and had been one of the most exciting full-backs in Europe. His pace, power, and attacking potential made him a perfect fit for Guardiola’s system, where full-backs play a crucial role in both defense and attack.

However, Mendy’s time at City has been plagued by injuries. He struggled to maintain consistent fitness, missing large portions of multiple seasons. Despite flashes of brilliance when he was fit, Mendy never fully adapted to Guardiola's tactical demands, especially in terms of defensive positioning and decision-making. As a result, Mendy has often found himself on the sidelines, with Guardiola opting for alternative options at left-back. Although he was a high-profile signing, Mendy’s inability to stay fit and fulfill his potential makes him one of Guardiola’s less successful acquisitions.

3. Zinchenko (2016)

While Oleksandr Zinchenko is not necessarily a "bad" player, his signing in 2016 under Pep Guardiola was far from a successful one at the outset. Initially acquired as a central midfielder, Zinchenko was often overlooked in his early years at the club, spending time out on loan and struggling to break into Guardiola’s starting lineup. His early performances were uninspiring, and it seemed that his time at Manchester City would be limited.

However, Zinchenko eventually found a role as a left-back, a position he had not played regularly before. While he became an important squad player, his initial lack of impact and slow development make him a curious case in Guardiola’s tenure. The Ukrainian’s versatility and resilience allowed him to carve out a spot in the team, but his signing is considered one of the more questionable ones given the initial lack of expectation and results.

4. Jack Rodwell (2012)

Though he was signed before Guardiola’s arrival, Jack Rodwell’s time at Manchester City during the early stages of the Guardiola era is worth mentioning. Rodwell arrived from Everton in 2012 for a fee of £12 million, with high hopes for his future development as a dynamic midfielder. However, Rodwell’s time at City was marred by injuries, and he struggled to make an impact in a team that was rapidly improving.

Under Guardiola, Rodwell was unable to break into the first team, and he eventually left the club after just a few seasons. His time at City is remembered more for his injuries than for any significant contribution to the team. Rodwell's inability to establish himself in a star-studded City squad makes him one of the more forgettable signings in the club's recent history.

5. Marlos Moreno (2016)

Marlos Moreno was a promising young winger who was signed by Manchester City in 2016 from Atlético Nacional, a Colombian club where he had showcased great potential. However, like many young players who make the jump to top European leagues, Moreno struggled to adapt to the intensity and style of play in the Premier League. Guardiola was never able to integrate him into the first team, and Moreno was loaned out multiple times to various clubs.

Despite his potential, Marlos Moreno was never able to establish himself at Manchester City, and he eventually left the club after spending several seasons out on loan. His time at City is largely considered a failure, as he was unable to make the jump to the first team or contribute in any meaningful way to the club's success.

Conclusion: Not All Hits

Pep Guardiola has undeniably been one of the most successful managers in football, and his tenure at Manchester City has brought immense success, both domestically and in Europe. However, not every signing has been a success. Players like Claudio Bravo, Benjamin Mendy, and Marlos Moreno highlight the unpredictability of the transfer market and the challenges of adapting to Guardiola’s demanding style of play.

While these players may not have lived up to expectations, it is important to recognize that in a club as successful as Manchester City, not every transfer will be a hit. Guardiola's remarkable ability to scout and develop players should not overshadow the fact that some acquisitions simply don't work out. Still, with a strong track record of success, Guardiola’s ability to continually rebuild and refine his squad keeps Manchester City at the forefront of European football, and the occasional misstep in the transfer market doesn’t overshadow the many triumphs.