Overview
- Pep Guardiola quipped he was “grumpy” that Manchester City rank only seventh for five-year net spend, using the point to challenge rivals to match City’s trophy return.
- Transfermarkt figures reported by multiple outlets put City’s five-year net spend at about £396m, behind Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Newcastle and Liverpool.
- City added Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guéhi in January as part of their rebuild, with recent sales helping lower their net-spend position relative to peers.
- Ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle, City hold a 2–0 aggregate lead, with Guéhi ineligible, Rayan Cherki to be assessed and Rúben Dias back in training.
- Guardiola highlighted a pattern of second-half drop-offs this season and noted he is fielding the club’s youngest side in a decade as they aim for a fifth Carabao Cup final in ten years.