Since 2011, Manchester City (1.024), PSG (941) and Manchester United (916) have spent almost 3,000 million euros in total in exorbitant transfer fees which have peaked this summer.
But such hefty investments have not been rewarded with the big trophies. All three clubs dream of lifting the Champions League, City and PSG for the first time, but despite the financial efforts carried out since 2011, only the side currently managed by Guardiola made the semi-finals two seasons ago.
Paris Saint-Germain have made the same mistakes time and time again, exiting the competition either in the last 16 or the quarter-finals. The Red Devils, on the other hand, sought solace in lifting the Europa League as a consolation in their first campaign outside Europe's top competition.
The football superpowers, three teams who have spent more than anyone else in the last six years without winning the Champions League. They will try again this season, but something must be missing in the equation if their investments don't have the desired effect on the pitch. It seems money doesn't buy everything.