ROBINHO – Real Madrid to Manchester City, £32 million (Summer 2008)
After City tried – and failed – to lure Dimitar Berbatov away from the red half of Manchester in the summer of 2008, not many people were expecting them to announce the signing of Brazil and Real Madrid star Robinho just hours later.
Very big things were expected from the 24-year-old upon his arrival in Manchester, with Brazilian legend Pele himself having stated his belief that the young forward could reach the very top of the game.
Things were not to be, however, and despite scoring 15 goals in his first season in English football – coming from 41 appearances – Robinho made only 10 appearances the next season, before being loaned back to boyhood club Santos in his native Brazil.
Eventually leaving the Citizens just one year later for Italian side A.C. Milan, Robinho’s career has since been one of wasted ability and unfulfilled potential. His move to Manchester did, however, mark the start of City’s transformation under current owner Sheikh Mansour.