Manchester City’s relentless pursuit of silverware continues to stir debate across the footballing world. As the club prepares for another high-stakes Carabao Cup semi-final at the Etihad Stadium, manager Pep Guardiola finds himself in the thick of a familiar controversy: is City’s dominance merely the result of deep pockets, or is there more to the story?
Guardiola, never one to shy away from the spotlight, tackled these accusations head-on in a recent interview. “Over the last five years, based on net spend, we are only seventh in the Premier League,” he asserted with a mix of frustration and irony. “Honestly, I’m a bit annoyed that the club hasn’t spent more. People say we won in the past because of money, but now the situation is different. Six teams have spent more money than us—Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, they all should win everything. The numbers don’t lie.” According to The Sun and other British outlets, Guardiola’s remarks were laced with sarcasm, a pointed jab at critics who attribute City’s success to so-called ‘oil money’ rather than tactical brilliance or squad management.
The numbers back Guardiola’s claim. Transfermarkt’s figures reveal that Manchester City’s net spend over the past five years stands at £396 million. That’s less than Manchester United (£675 million), Arsenal (£663 million), Chelsea (£651 million), Tottenham Hotspur (£574 million), Newcastle United (£424 million), and Liverpool (£420 million). Despite this, City remain the lightning rod for financial scrutiny, a narrative Guardiola is eager to challenge. “Now it’s time for the spotlight to be on those teams,” he quipped, “I’ll be waiting.”
It’s not just about money, though. City’s payroll, while impressive at £96 million annually, is distributed across a squad packed with talent and experience. Kevin De Bruyne leads the way with a salary of £6.75 million, closely followed by Phil Foden at £6.3 million and Bernardo Silva at £5.1 million. These numbers, while eye-catching, are not outliers in the context of England’s top flight, especially considering the salaries of rivals like Tottenham’s Heung-Min Son (£7.4 million) and Liverpool’s top earners.
Guardiola’s frustration isn’t limited to financial misconceptions. England manager Gareth Southgate, in a candid moment on February 4, 2026, expressed disappointment that City couldn’t secure certain key signings over the last five years. “We missed out on signing a ‘Premier League 7th’ player from Premier League clubs,” Southgate admitted. “I want to be number one, and I’m frustrated we haven’t signed more players.” Southgate also pointed out that several players have left City recently, compounding the challenge of maintaining a world-class squad. “People said Manchester City won with money, but now the situation has changed and we face challenges,” he added, emphasizing the evolving landscape of English football.
Despite these hurdles, City have not lost their competitive edge. They are currently chasing their ninth Premier League title and are on the verge of reaching their fifth Carabao Cup final in a decade—a testament to their consistency at the highest level. On February 4, 2026, City notched a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United in the UEFA Champions League, marking their second Champions League win in the last ten years. The result not only solidified their European credentials but also set the stage for another showdown with Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
The upcoming semi-final clash at the Etihad is more than just another fixture. For Newcastle United, it represents a chance to test their mettle against one of Europe’s elite. Manager Eddie Howe has responded to the challenge by calling up eight U-21 players, including the much-talked-about Park Seung-Soo, to train with the first team ahead of the match. Newcastle’s official channels confirmed, “Newcastle is preparing hard for the Man City game. Eddie Howe has gathered the main squad at Benton Training Ground to prepare for the Etihad trip. Several promising U-21 players have been called up to show their skills.”
Park Seung-Soo, born in 2007, is a rising Korean talent who joined Newcastle from Suwon Samsung in 2023. His professional journey began in earnest in 2024, where his pace and technical ability quickly marked him as one of the K League’s brightest prospects. After impressing in the ‘Coupang Play Series’ and earning a spot on Newcastle’s preseason tour, Park’s stock has only risen. British outlet Football Fancast gushed, “Park Seung-Soo is as fast and powerful as Anthony Elanga and versatile enough to play across the front line. It’s only a matter of time before he breaks into the first team.”
Newcastle’s strategy is clear: invest in youth, build for the future, and challenge the established order. The club’s recent recruitment drive, highlighted by the signing of promising talents like Park and other U-21 players such as Leo Shao, Edin Harris, Moira Pibas, and Scott Bailey, is part of a long-term vision. As reported by Chronicle Live, “Park Seung-Soo has made an immediate impact since arriving from Suwon Samsung. He joined the first team for preseason and has settled in quickly with the U-21s. He’s fast, direct, and technically gifted. If he continues to develop, Newcastle will have a real gem on their hands.”
As the Carabao Cup semi-final approaches, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Manchester City, with a 2-0 advantage from the first leg, are favorites to progress to the final, where Arsenal awaits. Yet, Newcastle’s blend of youthful exuberance and established stars means they can’t be written off. “We’re focused on strengthening the squad for future competitions,” a Newcastle spokesperson said, underscoring the club’s commitment to long-term success.
The ongoing debate about money, merit, and management shows no signs of abating. Guardiola’s City may continue to face questions about their financial muscle, but the numbers—and the trophies—suggest a more nuanced reality. As the action unfolds at the Etihad, all eyes will be on whether City’s blend of tactical acumen and squad depth can withstand the challenge from Newcastle’s hungry young guns.
With the Carabao Cup final in sight and narratives swirling off the pitch, this semi-final promises drama, intrigue, and perhaps a few surprises. One thing’s for sure: the spotlight is firmly fixed on Manchester, and neither side is backing down.