Manchester City could face a mass exodus of leading players if they are relegated from or expelled from the Premier League after being found guilty of serious financial rule breaches.
The Premier League has ruled that Manchester City committed all the charges relating to major financial violations, as well as most of the allegations concerning a failure to co-operate with its investigation.
The club was found to have arranged “sham contracts” and falsified financial information involving more than £900m between 2009 and 2018.
No punishment has yet been decided, and Manchester City can still appeal. However, if the Premier League imposes its most severe sanctions on the eight-time champions, keeping some of their biggest names could prove extremely difficult.
The players are understood to remain committed to the club for now, but potential relegation, expulsion or a substantial points deduction could lead to several seeking new opportunities.
Where could Manchester City’s players go?
Erling Haaland would attract interest from across Europe, with Real Madrid and Barcelona already reported to be keen on signing the Norway international if the opportunity arises.
Haaland has scored 169 goals in 205 appearances for Manchester City, meaning he would have no shortage of major offers should he decide to leave Etihad Stadium.
Jeremy Doku has not been linked directly with Arsenal, but the Emirates Stadium would suit the Belgium winger. Arsenal need a new left-sided forward after losing both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard in the summer, while Doku could provide the improvement Mikel Arteta is seeking.
Arsenal have previously signed players from Manchester City after they lost prominence at Etihad Stadium. Their status as Premier League champions, combined with the uncertainty surrounding City, could give Arteta a chance to recruit one of the club’s leading players at the peak of his career.
Elliot Anderson joined Manchester City’s local rivals for £116m this summer, after Manchester United had wanted to sign him before that move. Any sanctions could encourage United to renew their interest, although reports in Spain claim Barcelona and Real Madrid are also monitoring the midfielder.
Enzo Fernandez, who cost Manchester City £125m this summer, is another target for both Spanish giants. Real Madrid showed interest in him during the summer, and the Argentina international was also keen on the move, so negotiations could resume if City’s position changes.
Gianluigi Donnarumma is being considered by Bayern Munich as a long-term successor to Manuel Neuer, who will turn 41 this season. Manchester United looked at signing the Italy goalkeeper last year before his move to City, while Chelsea could also make an approach because Emiliano Martinez is viewed as a temporary answer to their goalkeeping problems.
Ryan Cherki has become one of Europe’s most exciting players since joining Manchester City last summer. Spanish reports say Real Madrid and Barcelona are interested, while Paris Saint-Germain could be an attractive option given his previous experience in Ligue 1 and the French club’s preference for assembling attacking talent.
Liverpool competed to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace before he moved to Manchester City in last season’s winter transfer window. A major points deduction, relegation or expulsion could prompt Guehi to seek a fresh start, potentially reviving Liverpool’s interest.
Josko Gvardiol is also reportedly wanted by Real Madrid and Barcelona. The versatile defender has become one of City’s key players, although his new five-year contract, signed last July, could complicate any transfer.
Finally, Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola could seek a reunion with Antoine Semenyo, whom he worked with at Bournemouth. The winger is also believed to have attracted interest from Arsenal.
