Pep Guardiola has sent a pointed message to Liverpool and Manchester City’s other Premier League competitors after stressing that six clubs have outspent the reigning champions on a net basis over the past five years.
Despite City being the biggest spenders in the most recent January transfer window for the second consecutive season — following the arrivals of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth and Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace for a combined £84 million — Guardiola was keen to underline the broader financial picture.
According to Transfermarkt, City’s net spend over the last five years sits at £396.2m, a figure significantly lower than Chelsea (£651m), Arsenal (£663.7m) and Manchester United (£675m). Liverpool’s net expenditure during the same period stands at £420.6m — statistics Guardiola made a point of referencing during his latest press conference.
“Before, people said we won because we spent more money,” Guardiola said, as quoted by SI. “Now there are six teams who must win the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup because they have spent more than us over the last five years.
“These are facts — not opinions. So good luck to the six clubs ahead of us in net spend over the last five years. Let’s see. I’m waiting.”
City currently sit six points behind league leaders Arsenal and were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw away to Tottenham on Sunday. Guardiola’s side now turn their attention to a League Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle United before travelling to Anfield this weekend.
Speaking ahead of those fixtures, Guardiola leaned heavily into sarcasm while expressing mock frustration with City’s owners.
“I’m a bit disappointed and upset,” he joked. “We are only seventh in the Premier League for net spend over the last five years. I want to be first — I don’t understand why the club don’t spend more money. I’m a little bit grumpy with them.”
Liverpool will host City on Sunday in what is set to be another high-octane meeting between two sides that have defined the Premier League era.
Guardiola has previously spoken at length about the rivalry, particularly during Jürgen Klopp’s time at Anfield.
“Liverpool, especially with Jürgen, have been our biggest rivals in this country,” Guardiola said in November, via BBC Sport. “It couldn’t have been better. The universe decided that. These moments are special.
“What happened during the Jürgen period made it the biggest rivalry, because after the first season it was usually between us and them.
“I always enjoyed that healthy rivalry. I always felt the respect we had for each other. Jürgen gave me so much, and I miss him. He pushed me to be better.”
While Liverpool are no longer in the title race this season, the atmosphere at Anfield is expected to be hostile on Sunday afternoon.
Arne Slot’s side are still chasing a top-four finish and can ill afford further dropped points, while City need to keep the pressure on Arsenal at the summit.
Is it ever a good moment to face Manchester City? Probably not. Their squad remains packed with quality — but they have shown vulnerabilities this season.
City surrendered a two-goal lead against Spurs last weekend, suffered a humiliating Champions League defeat to Bodo/Glimt last month, and were outfought at Old Trafford just days earlier.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have found the net ten times in their last two matches, with Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike beginning to show their full potential. A dominant 4-1 win over Newcastle marked their first league victory since December, so caution is still required.
Nevertheless, City’s visit to Anfield is one Slot’s players should embrace — an opportunity to remind the league why Liverpool remain champions.
For now, Liverpool and the rest of English football continue to wait for clarity on Manchester City’s looming financial case — all 115 charges of it.
