Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola has emerged as the highest-spending football manager in the world since joining the club in 2016, according to transfer data compiled by Capology and Transfermarkt.
Since taking charge of City, Guardiola has spent an estimated €2.05 billion on player recruitment, a figure that places him comfortably ahead of every other manager during the same period.
The Spaniard arrived at the Etihad Stadium in the 2016–17 season and immediately began a major rebuild of an ageing squad.
In his first season alone, City spent more than €190 million, bringing in players such as Ilkay Gundogan, Leroy Sane, John Stones, Claudio Bravo, and Gabriel Jesus.
2. Diego Simeone (€1.22 billion)
Behind Guardiola on the spending list is Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone, who has spent approximately €1.22 billion since the 2016–17 season. Simeone’s biggest investments include Joao Felix, Julian Alvarez, and Thomas Lemar.
3. Antonio Conte (€1.19 billion)
Former Chelsea and Tottenham boss Antonio Conte ranks third, having spent €1.19 billion across his managerial stints during the period.
4. Massimiliano Allegri (€1.17 billion)
Much of Allegri’s spending came during his time at Juventus.
5. Thomas Tuchel (€1.17 billion)
Tuchel’s expenditure spans spells at Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich.
6. Unai Emery (€1.13 billion)
Sixth on the list is Unai Emery, who has spent €1.13 billion while managing clubs including Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Villarreal, and Aston Villa.
7. Mikel Arteta (€1.09 billion)
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta follows closely with a total spend of €1.09 billion, much of it used to rebuild the squad since his appointment in 2019.
8. Erik ten Hag (€1.07 billion)
Former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag ranks eighth, having spent €1.07 billion.
9. Eddie Howe (€1.01 billion)
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe sits ninth with a total expenditure of €1.01 billion.
10. Nuno Espirito Santo (€985 million)
Rounding off the top 10 is Nuno Espirito Santo, whose spending of €985 million places him ahead of several high-profile managers, including Jurgen Klopp, Jose Mourinho, and Mauricio Pochettino, during the same period
