The 7 best ever Manchester City signings from the January transfer windows

Manchester City have used the January transfer window well over the years with the club signing 20 first team players since its introduction in the 2002-03 season.

Several managers have come and gone since this time with all of them trying to make their own stamp on the squad.

Following Sheikh Mansour’s takeover over the club in 2008, their busiest winter window was the following year, when four players were acquired by Mark Hughes.

Since 2009 the Emirati bought the club, the fees for players joining City have been substantial. However, current manager Pep Guardiola tends to reinforce his team in the summer, with no first team players signed in January since 2018.

Nevertheless, January is seen as a perfect time to reshuffle the squad, especially with a busy schedule in the second-half of the season.

Some signings have managed to join the Sky Blues mid-season and go on to create a legacy with the club, while others signed have led to minimal appearances, later leaving the club.

With that being said, let’s take a look at the seven best January transfer window signings for City since it began.

Wayne Bridge

The first January signing under the ownership of Mansour, Wayne Bridge joined the Sky Blues from Chelsea in 2009 for £10m.

On the list due to the nostalgic value of his move, rather than that measured on success, the left-back made 58 appearances for the club, and helped them reach the quarter-final of the UEFA Cup upon his arrival.

Shay Given

A fellow January 2009 signing with Bridge, Shay Given moved to City from Newcastle United for £5.9m.

The Irishman was an important figure for the Sky Blues in his first 18-months, featuring frequently under Hughes and Roberto Mancini, before his final season (2010-11) saw him make only four appearances and become back-up to Joe Hart.

Nevertheless, he has a FA Cup winners medal to his name and helped solidify City’s backline before he left for Aston Villa.

Patrick Vieira

Patrick Vieira joined the Sky Blues from Inter Milan on a free transfer in January 2010 on a six-month deal.

The experienced midfielder linked back up with Mancini, who was manager of Vieira’s previous club before his move to Manchester.

Vieira’s three goals in eight FA Cup appearances during the 2010-11 campaign helped guide City to the prestigious trophy, his only major honour for the club.

His professionalism, leadership and overall ability were key to helping the club push on for later success.

Nigel de Jong

Signed from Hamburg in 2009 for £16m, Nigel de Jong was a pivotal player for the club upon his arrival in Manchester.

The defensive-midfielder featured 137 times for the Sky Blues, scoring twice and making one assist.

In three-and-a-half seasons with City, the Dutchman won three major honours, including the 2012 Premier League title.

Edin Dzeko

Edin Dzeko was signed for the club by Mancini in January 2011 for £27m from Wolfsburg and became a key forward for them.

In four-and-a-half years at the Etihad, he netted 72 times and assisted his teammates on 39 occasions, becoming one the the Sky Blues fans’ favourites.

The Bosnian also helped them secure two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup and a Community Shield during that time.

Gabriel Jesus

A January 2017 signing from Brazilian outfit Palmeiras, Gabriel Jesus has been a player who has featured regularly under Guardiola since then.

The 24-year-old, who was initially signed as a striker but can now play on the wing, made an instant impact for the club, scoring seven league goals in 10 appearances.

His performances for City so far have helped contribute to the Sky Blues winning 10 pieces of silverware since his arrival, as well as the Brazilian being the FA and League Cup top goalscorer during the 2018-19 campaign.

Aymeric Laporte

Aymeric Laporte is Guardiola’s most recent January signing, having joined City from Athletic Bilbao for £57m in 2018.

The centre-back has been a key player for the Sky Blues boss since signing, featuring 131 times so far in almost four years.

A Spain international, Laporte has been pivotal for City’s success during his tenure at the club, strengthening their defence and helping them win eight trophies since his arrival.

He was also named in the PFA Team of The Year for his performances for the Sky Blues during the 2018-19 season - impressive considering he has only joined them half way through the campaign.