Manchester City Transfer News: Ranking the Blues Five Greatest Signings

Manchester City might not get the respect it deserves because of their close rival Manchester United, but their history is rich.

The club has had amazing players, moments and medals to look back on. The history may not be as thick throughout the course of both franchises, but Manchester City has had more great players than the casual soccer fan would realize.

They have signed many players throughout their club history, but who are the five best? Here are my choices.

No 5: Tommy Johnson

Tommy Johnson is the second-best goal scorer in Manchester City history. He scored 166 goals in all competitions.

Johnson is known for his powerful left foot. He holds the record for most goals scored by a Manchester City player in a single season with 38. He recorded that feat in 1928-29.

Johnson played at Manchester City for 12 seasons. He went on to Everton, and then Liverpool after Manchester City.

Born in 1900, Johnson continues to be one of the greatest players in club history.  

No 4: Eric Brook

Eric Brook is the all-time leading goal scorer in Manchester City history. He played from 1928-1939, scoring 178 goals in all competitions.

The combined fee to bring Brook in was £6,000.

Not only was he one of the best Manchester City players of all-time, but he was a fantastic footballer for England.

The guy was built like a rock, from top-to-bottom. His shot was unbelievable.

No 3: Mike Summerbee

Mike Summerbee was signed by Manchester City for £35,000 in 1965.

Summerbee played 11 seasons with City, scoring 47 goals in 357 appearances. You know that Summerbee was going to show up, ready to play every game. His fiery temper, and attitude made you feel like you were in a battle every game.

With Manchester City, Summerbee won the Football League Second Division, Football League First Division, FA Cup, Football League Cup, and the European Cup Winner's Cup.  His Manchester City teams also won the FA Charity Shield twice.

Summerbee, as well as the next two players, were a part of some of the greatest Manchester City teams in the history of the club. They won countless titles, and they all played major roles in the success of the team.

No 2: Francis Lee

Francis Lee was signed by Manchester City for £60,000 in 1967. He had much to do with Manchester City's success in that era.

He played eight seasons with City, scoring 112 goals in 248 appearances. Lee scored a hefty amount of those goals on penalty kicks. He was known for going down softly in the box.

Lee stepped up in the biggest games. He scored 10 goals against Manchester United in their derby.

Cristiano Ronaldo has nothing on Francis Lee when it comes to diving.

No 1: Colin Bell

While rankings are always a matter of opinion, this final selection should go unquestioned. 

Colin Bell is regarded as Manchester City's greatest player of all time. He originally came from Bury, a second division team. He transferred over to Manchester City in 1966.

He appeared in 394 games in 14 seasons with the Blues. Bell scored 117 goals in his Manchester City career.

Manchester City won the FA Cup, English League title, League Cup twice and the European Cup Winner's Cup during Bell's time with the club.

There is little doubt that Bell played a major role in some of the best teams in club history.

Bell was inducted into Manchester City FC Hall of Fame. He is one of the best footballers to come out of England.