Manchester City Review: Top 10 Signings Since the Sheikh Mansour Takeover

The transfer window is closed and it was another eventful summer for Manchester City. The big-spending Citizens have brought in a plethora of talent over the years to help complete their ambitious project.

So today, we want to take a look back at the top transfers since the Sheikh Mansour takeover.

Price, impact, circumstance and overall performance were all taken into consideration.

10. Patrick Vieira

When: January 2010

From: Inter Milan

Price: Free

While he was a mere shadow of the man who captained the famous 'Invincibles' of Arsenal, Vieira's impact at City cannot go unnoticed.

Signed for free and often used as a late sub to close out games, Vieira brought experience and leadership to a locker room often surrounded by controversy. He scored a handful of goals, including an FA cup double against Notts County, and helped City clinch their first piece of silverware in 34 years last season.

Now retired, Vieira currently holds the title of Football Development Executive for City. A man of his calibre in the City offices will only help bring in and develop top talent and with the likes of Nasri and Clichy arriving this summer, one wonders if the influence of a France and Arsenal legend had anything to do with it.

9. Gareth Barry

When: Summer 2009

From: Aston Villa

Price: £12 million

Gareth Barry has been a tireless workhorse for Manchester City since his arrival in the summer of 2009. Originally brought in by Mark Hughes, Barry survived the squad shake-up and became a regular starter in the midfield three Roberto Mancini deployed last season.

His partnership with Yaya Toure and Nigel de Jong made Manchester City's midfield one of the hardest to breach last season. 

8. Joleon Lescott

When: Summer 2009

From: Everton

Price: £24 million

With a price tag of £24 million hanging over his head, Lescott had much to prove upon his arrival to the Etihad stadium. At first, most pundits labeled him unworthy of the hefty fee paid to Everton.

However, after Kolo Toure failed a drug test last season, Lescott formed a solid partnership with Vincent Kompany. He put in a number of consistent displays and helped City achieve the best defensive record in the Premiership last season. 

7. Gael Clichy

When: Summer 2011

From: Arsenal

Price: £7 million

Speed, skill and experience at a bargain. Costing City just £7 million, it was great piece of business for a great player. Clichy had been linked with a host of clubs over the past few years, but it was Man City that landed the 26-year-old Frenchman.

His speed and versatility offer a different dynamic than his opposite Kolarov. He has started two of the first three Premier League matches this season and looked sharp in both.

Expect a bright future for the man looking to take United rival Patrice Evra's place in the French national team.

6. Edin Dzeko

When: January 2011

From: Wolfsburg

Price: £27 million

Last season, Dzeko scored a total of six goals. Two in the Premier League, two in the FA cup and two in the Europa League. After his arrival in January, he struggled to break into the starting lineup and many began to write off the £27 million man as a flop.

This year, Dzeko is off with a bang, netting six goals in just three games. His brilliant positioning and surprisingly quick feet will make him a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League this year.

Expect to see more from the towering Bosnian as his place in the starting lineup appears to be sealed for now.

5. Nigel de Jong

When: January 2009

From: Hamburg

Price: £16 million

One of the best midfield enforcers on the planet, Man City looked a different team when De Jong was absent last season. A perfect fit in front of the back line, De Jong is a true bulldog in the midfield.

He has received unjustified criticism from the media for his injury-inflicting tackles, but as the stats show, the Dutchman has only received one red card in his entire career.

At first arrival, De Jong was criticised for the hefty transfer fee paid to Hamburg but the World Cup finalist has since proved his worth. 

4. Yaya Toure

When: Summer 2010

From: Barcelona

Price: £26 million

Already a City legend for his FA cup goals at Wembley against Stoke and Man United respectively, Yaya Toure was in fine form last season. At Barca, he was used in a holding position so many doubted his ability when Roberto Mancini decided to deploy him in a more offensive role.

However, Yaya responded with numerous fine performances. His trademark powerful runs were seen all season and with 10 goals, he helped add some firepower to a team which struggled to convert without Carlos Tevez. 

3. Sergio Aguero

When: Summer 2011

From: Athletico Madrid

Price: £38 million

Sergio Aguero's arrival at Eastlands was more symbolic than most signings. Not only had City signed a great player who had been linked with the world's finest teams for years, but the capture was seen as a viable replacement for Carlos Tevez, the captain and talisman who carried City on his back time and time again.

A dream debut against Swansea and three goals later, City fans can breathe a sigh of relief as they look toward a future without Tevez—something that only a few months ago seemed unthinkable.

Aguero's pace and ability look a perfect fit for the Premiership. The attacking quartet of Nasri-Silva-Aguero-Dzeko will make City one of the most feared teams in England and Europe this year.

2. David Silva

When: Summer 2010

From: Valencia

Price: £24 million

David Silva brought creativity and imagination to Man City with a string of exquisite performances last season, including a wonder goal against Blackpool.

At just 5'7", the diminutive Spaniard proved wrong those who said he couldn't cope with the physicality of the Premier League. A true playmaker, Silva notched 15 assists in all competitions in his first year with City.

If Silva can improve his finishing (he only converted six goals last term), he will surely be recognized as one of the best creative midfielders out there. With two goals in three games so far this year, expect an even better campaign from the Spanish wizard. 

1. Carlos Tevez

When: Summer 2009

From: Media Sports Investments (via Manchester United)

Price: Undisclosed

Signing an international star is one thing, but signing that star from your bitter rivals was a dream come true for the City faithful. No matter what the actual transfer cost, Carlos Tevez was well worth the money.

He has scored over 50 goals in his two seasons as a Citizen and has been a hero since he arrived from Old Trafford. After the disappointment of the Robinho saga, City fans got to witness consistency and results from the Argentinean hitman over the past two seasons.

His performances and iconic status led Roberto Mancini to award him the captain's arm band in hopes the striker could lead by example.

Today, with Tevez having asked to leave, twice, his future remains uncertain. Two failed bids later and with reports of Tevez finally relocating his family to Manchester, maybe he can settle down for time being at least.

Now with red-hot Dzeko and Aguero around, he just has the tricky task of getting back into the first team.