Manchester City's success over the last 15 years has been called into question following the Premier League's ruling on alleged breaches of its rules. City have been found guilty of all charges related to financial regulations between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons by an independent commission. The club was found to have used a £1billion scheme to inflate revenues and reduce costs through a series of "sham" contracts.
City, who continue to deny any wrongdoing and intend to appeal against the verdict, face severe sanctions, including expulsion from the Premier League, a points deduction and a huge fine. City signed 45 players for a total of £1.2bn during the period covered. They included players who were pivotal as City won seven major trophies, including three Premier League titles.
2009/10 (£126m spent)
While he doesn't warrant legendary status, Tevez was one of the era's most important signings. Plucking him from Manchester United was a huge signal of intent from the owners. While less heralded, Kolo Toure and Gareth Barry were great influences on the team. While Adebayor looked like a good signing on paper, he faded after a bright start. Santa Cruz's spell didn't work out due to a combination of injury and competition for places.
2010/11 (£157m)
David Silva leads this impressive list of signings, with Yaya Toure not far behind. Kolarov and Milner were outstanding servants, too. Dzeko deserves more credit than he gets (remember the equaliser against QPR), while Balotelli was brilliant and bizarre in equal measure.
2011/12 (£78m)
City fans need no reminder of Aguero's standing. The best signing of the era, perhaps? Nasri was outstanding at times but also frustrating, while Clichy provided great stability at left-back. The less said about Savic's season at City, the better. It was, quite simply, a disaster.
2012/13 (£53m)
Following arguably the best season of recruitment, this was probably the worst. Nastasic made a bright start and was voted young player of the year in his first season before falling away, while Garcia was a solid addition to the midfield but nothing more. The rest can be labelled flops.
2013/14 (£99m)
Fernandinho was one of City's most important signings and is widely regarded as one of the best holding midfielders in Premier League history. Negredo gained cult status for his role in winning the 2013/14 title before injuries derailed his City career. The versatile Navas had his moments, while Jovetic was another whose impact was limited by injury.
2014/15 (£88m)
Fernando was average at best, while Mangala and Bony were complete flops. Caballero was a popular and dependable number two keeper who saved three penalties in the Carabao Cup final shootout against Liverpool.
2015/16 (£179m)
De Bruyne is a contender for the accolade of greatest City player of all time, let alone during his era. Sterling was outstanding but was sold at the right time, given his career has gone into freefall since. Otamendi and Delph were excellent servants, too.
2016/17 (£185m)
Another largely excellent year of signings, with Stones and Sane leading the way, although things didn't work out for Bravo and Nolito. Jesus was excellent back-up to Aguero.
2017/18 (£272m)
The most expensive season of the era saw the club bring in club heroes Laporte, Ederson, Walker and Silva. Danilo was a solid squad player while Mendy's City career was curtailed by off-pitch issues.
