Manchester City players could lose out in the transfer window after FFP is charged

By James Cormack

Manchester City’s FFP breaches have thrown the club’s short-, medium- and long-term future into chaos.

The scale of their financial woes could justify unprecedented retribution from the Premier League, with expulsion from the top flight under discussion as a possibility.

Who knows what will happen, perhaps a little tug of the ear will suffice once City have involved their army of lawyers, but the club will not be able to seek help from the Court of Arbitration for Sport on this occasion. They are fighting their battle.

Therefore, with a cloud of uncertainty consuming the Etihad, the possibility of a mass exodus this summer cannot be completely ruled out. Here are some players Manchester City could lose to FFP breaches.

1. Ilkay Gundogan

Ilkay Gundogan’s contract at the Etihad expires in the summer, and the German has been linked with a move to Catalonia. While recent reports suggest he could sign an extension with City, this situation has undoubtedly thrown a wrench in the works.

While it’s hard to predict a final decision on the club’s retribution anytime soon, such doubt could convince Gundogan to carry on while he can.

The Barcelona sun is calling his name and the German international could leave towards sunset as chaos breaks loose in Manchester.

2. Bernard Silva

Another protagonist in City’s dominance, Bernardo Silva has been flirting with the idea of joining Barcelona for the past couple of years.

However, the Catalans’ crippling finances prevented the transfer from happening. Silva, who continues to impress despite City’s problems, would be a great loss given his importance in helping City keep possession under pressure and get them on the pitch.

But Pep’s squad needs a refresh this summer and Bernardo could leave in favor of fresh blood. If Barça were to maintain interest in him, it is probable that they will not have to pay what was reported in the recent transfer window.

3. Erling Haaland

Should Manchester City face severe retribution for their financial misdeeds, there is no doubt that Europe’s elite will have a whiff of the club’s best talent.

Erling Haaland is their most valuable asset after arriving from Borussia Dortmund in the summer. While there are still teething problems regarding his suitability at Guardiola’s facility, the Norwegian monster has continued to score goals at a record-breaking pace.

Haaland, who has scored 25 goals in 20 Premier League games, is on course to break the single-season goalscoring record set by Alan Shearer and Andy Cole (34 goals).

While very few could afford the striker, the European giants, led by their proud owners, will do their best to sign Haaland.

After losing Kylian Mbappé, Florentino Perez could try his luck in acquiring the Frenchman’s next generation before the Norwegian’s €200m release clause takes effect in 2024.

4. Ruben Dias

The arrival of Ruben Dias in 2020 ushered in another spell of blue supremacy after Liverpool lifted the title in 2019/20.

Dias’ impact was immediate as he emerged as one of Europe’s most impressive defenders at the Etihad. Lui made 61 Premier League appearances between City’s triumphs in 2020/21 and 2021/22, but a hamstring injury has hampered his current season.

A once key figure has apparently become redundant and City could part ways with the Portuguese international if their financial woes deem it necessary.

Dias remains a valuable asset and a long list of clubs will be lining up to sign him.

This article was originally posted on 90min.com as Manchester City players could lose out in the transfer window after FFP is charged.