Manchester City’s decision to withdraw from the race to sign Declan Rice and the possibility of him joining Arsenal echoes a familiar pattern. The club has a history of abandoning deals when they believe a player’s value is inflated.

Reflecting on the past, there are several examples of players who almost joined Man City but ended up having a difficult time afterwards. From Cristiano Ronaldo to Alexis Sanchez, these players provide valuable lessons for Declan Rice as he navigates his future.

Let’s examine the experiences of these eight players and the potential implications for Rice’s career.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Despite sparking excitement with his return to Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo had also come close to joining Manchester City. However, his comeback to Old Trafford proved to be forgettable, with a series of underwhelming performances.

Marc Cucurella: City’s interest in left-back Marc Cucurella was usurped by Chelsea, who secured his signature with a substantial offer. However, Cucurella endured a nightmare debut season at Stamford Bridge, raising doubts about whether Chelsea made the right decision in beating City to his signing.

Harry Maguire: While it’s easy to forget, Manchester City had shown interest in Harry Maguire before he joined Manchester United. Guardiola admitted that City couldn’t afford to buy him, and Maguire subsequently became the world’s most expensive defender at the time.

Paul Pogba: Even Manchester City recognized the talent of Paul Pogba and pursued him before his return to Old Trafford in 2016. However, Pogba’s second stint at Manchester United failed to live up to expectations.

Romelu Lukaku: Though not widely known, Manchester City made efforts to sign Romelu Lukaku, who ultimately chose Chelsea instead. However, Lukaku’s time in England has been filled with ups and downs. He eventually joined Inter Milan, where he has enjoyed a resurgence in his career.

Timo Werner: Timo Werner rejected the opportunity to play for Manchester City, instead opting for Chelsea after a personal phone call from Pep Guardiola. However, Werner’s time at Stamford Bridge has been marred by inconsistent performances and criticism.

Kalidou Koulibaly: Manchester City’s frustration with Napoli’s £72 million asking price led to them missing out on Kalidou Koulibaly. The Senegalese defender ended up joining Chelsea after his value decreased significantly. However, his stint in England lasted only one season before he moved to Al Hilal in the Middle East.

Alexis Sanchez: Manchester City’s interest inAlexis Sanchez was evident in their documentary “All or Nothing.” However, the Chilean forward ultimately joined Manchester United, where he struggled to find his form, managing only five goals in a season and a half before departing the club.

The experiences of these eight players who were once on Manchester City’s radar offer valuable lessons for Declan Rice as he contemplates his next move. From failed transfers to disappointing performances, they demonstrate the potential risks and challenges that can arise when choosing a club.

Rice would be wise to carefully consider the best fit for his career, taking into account factors such as playing time, the team’s style of play, and the overall direction of the club.