Where are they now? The 5 players Pep Guardiola signed after his last trophyless season

 

In Pep Guardiola’s first season at Manchester City, the team went trophyless, finishing third in the 2016-17 Premier League behind Chelsea and Tottenham, and exiting the Champions League in the round of 16 against Monaco. To address this, City invested £250 million in the summer transfer window, making five key signings that paved the way for a record-breaking 100-point league season. 

With another trophyless season to redeem, we’ve tracked where those signings are now.

Bernardo Silva

Manchester City quickly signed Bernardo Silva from Monaco for a potential €70million, including add-ons, after he tormented them in the previous season’s Champions League round of 16.

Those add-ons have likely been met, and Silva has proven a bargain. The Portuguese star has been a world-class attacking midfielder, securing six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, a Champions League, and numerous other honors during his prime at City.

A two-time PFA Team of the Year member, Silva’s form has dipped in the last year, suggesting City may need to consider a replacement.

see also: On This Day in Sport History: May 23, 2015 Xavi played his final LaLiga game for Barça in a 2-2 draw vs Deportivo

Ederson

After Pep Guardiola quickly replaced Joe Hart, he signed Claudio Bravo for his ball-playing skills. Despite Bravo's neat footwork, his shot-stopping fell short.

To fix this, Guardiola brought in Ederson from Benfica for £35 million, a decision that has paid off with eight years of exceptional performances.

In 2025, Ederson shares duties with Stefan Ortega but has still notched four Premier League assists this season. Will he remain at the Etihad next season?

Kyle Walker

Kyle Walker’s signing proved to be a game-changer for Pep Guardiola.

Brought in to replace Pablo Zabaleta, who moved to West Ham, Walker helped Manchester City hit new heights. He claimed the Premier League title in his debut season and has since amassed 14 trophies with the club.

His £45.41 million transfer fee raised eyebrows at the time, and with his 2025 loan spell at AC Milan, his future at City is uncertain. Still, Walker’s impact has been colossal.

see also: 5 biggest clubs not to qualify for European football next year: Man Utd, AC Milan…

Danilo

Though Danilo’s time at Manchester City wasn’t a standout, the club secured nearly £32 million by transferring him to Juventus.

Six years after parting ways with Guardiola and City, Danilo returned to Brazil, joining Flamengo from Juventus in January 2025.

Benjamin Mendy

Joining Manchester City alongside Bernardo Silva in a record-breaking £52 million transfer after defeating them in the Champions League, Mendy faced serious allegations.

In 2023, he was acquitted of all rape and attempted rape charges following a retrial.

Mendy now plays for FC Zurich in Switzerland.