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Man City confirm Marc Guehi signing as Pep Guardiola's side stick two fingers up at Prem

Manchester City have taken their spending to almost 500m on transfers in the last 12 months as the Blues announced the signing of England defender Marc Guehi

[Manchester City have completed the signing of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace]

Manchester City have completed the signing of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Manchester City continue to stick two fingers up to the Premier League. What other conclusion can be drawn, given the club's staggering expenditure on fresh talent over the past year?

City have now sealed the 30m signing of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The England international flew into Manchester on a private jet on Sunday to undergo a medical and put the finishing touches to the deal, signing a contract worth 200,000-a-week that will keep him at the Etihad until 2031.

Guehi is ineligible for Tuesday night's Champions League clash at Bodo/Glimt, and is expected to make his debut against Wolves this weekend.

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It's a move that takes their spending since New Year's Day 2025, to just shy of half a billion pounds. This is remarkably audacious and unapologetic, especially considering the predicament City find themselves in.

Ah yes, the ongoing investigation into 115 alleged violations of financial regulations. The whole saga has dragged on so long, it's akin to a modern-day 'War & Peace'.

City have been at loggerheads with the Premier League since the charges were levelled against them back in February, 2023 and despite this monumental event occurring nearly three years ago, no resolution appears to be in sight.

The inquiry has wrapped up, but no judgement has been delivered. Some speculate it could be another year before the football world learns whether the former English champions are guilty or not.

[MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 17: Josep 'Pep' Guardiola, head coach of Manchester City, prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on January 17, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)]

Manchester City are yet to learn the verdict of their 115 charges(Image: James Gill - Danehouse, Getty Images)

In the meantime, City carry on business as usual. As if nothing has transpired. The club vehemently denies any wrongdoing, so why wouldn't they?

But the situation involving all parties has now descended into farce. It's simply not normal. It's a terrible look.

City have splashed out nearly 100m in this transfer window alone. The billionaires persist in flexing their financial might, in pursuit of another title in what could well turn out to be Pep Guardiola's final season at the Etihad.

In just over 12 months, Guardiola has made 14 signings. He has overhauled his squad in this time. A reaction to finishing last season without a single piece of silverware. The first time City had failed to land a trophy in eight years.

Since taking charge in 2016, Guardiola's net spend is around 955m. It is the third highest amount behind Manchester United (1.17billion) and Arsenal (963m).

The glaring difference, of course, is that City have a lot to show for such a lavish outlay. Guardiola has won 18 trophies, including six league titles and a Treble.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have won an FA Cup, and United have won just four trophies in this same timeframe.

The difference though, it has to be said, is that the limited success of Arsenal and United is not in danger of being tainted. Because these two clubs don't stand accused of breaking the rules.

It has to be pointed out that City are in a strong position financially because they've also made huge profits from selling players. Since 2023 City have generated 350m from sales.

But there is still no escaping the fact that should the club be found guilty of the charges laid at their door, then all the success Guardiola has engineered will have a gigantic Asterix alongside it.

His legacy will be left with a permanent stain. It's just an embarrassing shame the world of football has been left waiting so long to find out the fate of him and his club.

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