Artificial intelligence has predicted the likely destinations of Manchester City’s leading players if the club is relegated from the Premier League after being found guilty of serious financial rule breaches.
An independent commission concluded that Manchester City were guilty of all charges relating to significant financial breaches over nine Premier League seasons, as well as most allegations concerning a failure to co-operate with the league’s investigation.
The club continue to deny the charges and maintain their innocence. Manchester City have appealed against the findings, but a failed appeal could lead to severe penalties, including a points deduction, fines and possible expulsion from the Premier League.
Relegation would raise the prospect of the club losing many of its players, particularly its biggest names. According to The Sun, an artificial intelligence prediction identified Real Madrid as the club most likely to benefit, with eight Manchester City players potentially moving to the Spanish side.
Real Madrid linked with eight players
Erling Haaland, 26, has long been associated with Real Madrid, who continue to search for their next leading centre-forward after Karim Benzema. A move to the Santiago Bernabeu would also enable Real Madrid to beat Barcelona, who are monitoring the Norway international.
Real Madrid attempted to sign Enzo Fernandez last summer and could finally land the 25-year-old midfielder if Manchester City are relegated. City previously won the race for his signature.
Haaland and Fernandez could be joined in Madrid by Ayoub Bouaddi, Phil Foden, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis and Josko Gvardiol. Matteo Kovacic could also return to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Manchester United identified as second biggest beneficiaries
Manchester United could complete five major signings as a result of the situation. The club may renew their interest in former targets Gianluigi Donnarumma and Elliot Anderson, while Matheus Nunes could strengthen their options at right-back.
United could also attempt to sign two players who developed in Manchester: Nico O’Reilly and Rico Lewis.
Liverpool are another Premier League club expected to benefit, with former targets Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi among the players who could become available.
Guehi came close to joining Liverpool in 2025 and sent a farewell message to Crystal Palace supporters before his club ultimately abandoned the transfer. The 26-year-old could move alongside Semenyo, also 26, while Rayan Ait-Nouri and Manchester City captain Ruben Dias have also been linked.
Dias would form a potentially strong central-defensive partnership with Virgil van Dijk at Anfield.
Arsenal could look to take Jeremy Doku to Emirates Stadium to work under manager Mikel Arteta, who previously served as Pep Guardiola’s assistant.
Chelsea may re-sign goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli, while Everton could bring back former player Iliman Ndiaye after selling him to Manchester City last summer.
Possible moves outside England
Rayan Cherki could return to France with Paris Saint-Germain, who are rivals of his former club Lyon.
Goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli has been linked with Real Sociedad, while Allan could move to Palmeiras.
