5 managers who have spent the most in the transfer market

3. Pep Guardiola - €1.15b

Pep Guardiola

One of the greatest managers of this generation, Pep Guardiola started out as the coach of the Barcelona B side in 2007. A year later, he replaced Frank Rijkaard as the coach of the Barcelona senior team, an appointment that would change the history of the club. The Spaniard purchased 19 players during his 4-year tenure, which included 3 free signings and spent a total of €342m. He achieved immense success during his time, winning every trophy possible and turning the Catalans into the best team in the world. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, David Villa, Dani Alves, and Cesc Fabregas were among his signings for the Catalans, and the Swedish striker remains his costliest purchase to date.

After leaving Barcelona in the summer of 2012, the Spaniard took a 1-year break and joined Bayern Munich in July 2013. He stayed for 3 years at the Bundesliga side and spent €204m on 13 players. Some of the players Guardiola bought – Joshua Kimmich, Kingsley Coman and Thiago – are valuable members of the current team. In his 3 years, he won every trophy except the UEFA Champions League. The Spaniard joined Manchester City in the Premier League in the summer of 2016.

At the Etihad, Guardiola has spent €599.7m on 22 players and transformed the club into the best teams in Europe. Last season, his team created history by managing a first-ever domestic treble. This season, he will have his sights on the UEFA Champions League, a trophy that has eluded him since his time at Barcelona.

The Spaniard has spent a total of €1.15b on 52 players so far during his managerial career and has 27 trophies to show for it. He is the 3rd highest spending manager in the world so at present.