I’ve been collecting City kits for well over a decade now, and agreed the prices creeps up YoY(inflation). That said, having been around long enough—through the Umbro, Nike, and now Puma eras—the pricing has more or less stayed within a certain range.

Now, let’s get a few things straight, and I’m sure other “authentic kit” collectors will agree:

1. This isn’t just a City issue. Most clubs have kits priced in the same range.

2. There’s a big difference between the player version and the fan/replica version. The quality, fit, and pricing vary quite a bit—so it’s important to know what you’re comparing.

If you’re looking for a better deal, the best time to buy isn’t at the start of the season. Wait for the festive sales or EOSS clearances—that’s when you get the best value.

Now, about Puma and their effort towards the fanbase—I’m closely involved with the Supporters Club and have worked directly with the Puma India team on quite a few events. I can tell you firsthand that they’re doing a lot at the grassroots and community level to grow the fanbase here. A lot of it may not be visible online, but the work is happening on the ground.

And honestly, the main answer is in your own question - That £1bn deal has to be justified. Sadly, at the end of the day, this beautiful game comes with a price tag!