Wilfried Bony: Ex Premier League and Manchester City star now club-less

Wilfried Bony had the world at his feet when he joined Manchester City in the 2015 winter transfer window for a record fee from Swansea, but not many would have predicted what was to come.

The Ivorian moved to the Etihad saw him become Africa’s joint-most expensive player at that time, and the 10th most expensive Manchester City striker to date.

You wouldn’t be wrong to call Bony one of Europe’s finest strikers at the time he joined the Citizens, having been the Premier League top scorer in 2014, as well as helping his country scoop the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations and was named in the Team of the Tournament.

Manchester City’s boss at the time Manuel Pellegrini, was so effusive when speaking about his arrival.

“He is very difficult to mark because he is so strong,” then City boss Manuel Pellegrini said after Bony’s arrival at the Etihad. “He is an intelligent footballer who has skill and power.”

“His goals record has been excellent since he came to England. He adapted very quickly to the game here and I think he will settle in at City quickly.” as quoted by GOAL

However, Manchester City faithfuls won’t remember his time with any fondness despite arriving with a lot of potential.

What happened to Wilfried Bony at Man City?

Bony was away at the Africa Cup of Nations during the period his move to Manchester City was completed and as a result didn’t make his Premier League debut till February.

He made 12 appearances in his first season at the Etihad and found the back of the net just twice which was a  warning of sign what was to come.

He was eventually loaned out to Stoke in 2016, before making a permanent move to Swansea.

From there, he has played in Qatari, Saudi, Dutch, and finally Bolivian football leagues, with Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League being his most prominent club since leaving Swansea in 2019.

Wilfried Bony currently plays in for Bolivian club Always Ready, who are also known as the Red Band.