10 Players Who Didn't Fulfil Their Potential At Man City

8. Shaun Wright-Phillips

Shaun Wright-Phillips is a unique case for Manchester City, and probably one that highlights their transition and the way it effects players the clearest. After a short stint at Nottingham Forest, Wright-Phillips joined Manchester City in 1998 as a 16 year old, remaining there until 2005 and made 153 league appearances as he continued to grow and develop as a footballer. His success and flare at City attracted the attention of Chelsea, who signed the youngster in 2005 for £21 million. He made 81 league appearances for The Blues, but scored just three goals despite his attacking nature. After three mediocre seasons in London he moved back to the club that had made his name in 2011, resigning for City for a fee of £11 million. However, he struggled to gain a regular spot in the team as City continued to buy big named stars. David Silva and Yaya Toure quickly followed Wright-Phillips to the City of Manchester Stadium and the English winger often found himself on the bench or out of the squad altogether. He was still just 26 when he returned to Manchester, in the prime of his career and ready to achieve his full potential. However, due to City's vast wealth he found himself in and out of the squad and by 2011 when he finally left the club for good he was out of touch and out of favour with top clubs as well as the England management. Wright-Phillips had been both made and broken by Manchester City, with the club never allowing him to reach his full potential upon his return.