Manchester City stars could face major transfer scramble if Premier League punishment is imposed

Manchester City are awaiting formal sanctions after being found guilty of serious financial-rule breaches, with relegation or expulsion from the Premier League among the possible punishments.

The Premier League concluded that Manchester City were guilty of all charges relating to serious financial violations and most of the allegations concerning a failure to co-operate with the investigation. It found that the club had arranged “sham contracts” and falsified financial information worth more than £900m between 2009 and 2018.

No punishment has yet been confirmed, and Manchester City can still appeal. However, according to The Sun, the most severe sanctions could lead to a mass departure of players, despite the belief that the squad remains committed to the club for now.

A demotion or expulsion could make it difficult for Manchester City to keep some of their biggest names. The following players have been linked with potential destinations in that worst-case scenario.

Haaland wanted by Spain’s giants

Erling Haaland would attract interest from clubs across Europe after scoring 169 goals in 205 appearances for Manchester City. Real Madrid and Barcelona are both keen on the Norway striker if the opportunity arises, The Sun reported earlier this week.

Jeremy Doku is another player who could attract attention. There has been no indication that Arsenal are planning a move for the Belgium winger, or even monitoring him, but Emirates Stadium could suit his style.

Arsenal are said to need a new left winger after losing Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard in the summer. Doku could provide the improvement manager Mikel Arteta is seeking. Arsenal have previously signed Manchester City players who lost their place at the Etihad Stadium, but their status as Premier League champions could help Arteta pursue a leading player at the peak of his career.

Elliot Anderson joined Manchester City from Manchester United’s rivals for £116m after United had wanted to sign him in the summer. If any punishment allowed United to re-enter the race, his arrival would represent a major addition to the red half of Manchester. Reports in Spain, however, claim Barcelona and Real Madrid are also interested.

Enzo Fernandez cost Manchester City £125m this summer and could leave after only 12 months if the club receive a heavy punishment. Real Madrid were interested in the Argentina midfielder in the summer, while Fernandez was also keen on the move, meaning talks could be revived.

Goalkeeping and defensive interest

Bayern Munich are looking for a long-term successor to Manuel Neuer, who will turn 41 this season, and have reportedly considered Gianluigi Donnarumma. Manchester United looked at the Italy goalkeeper last year before he moved to Manchester City, while Chelsea could also make an approach because Emiliano Martinez appears to be a temporary solution to their goalkeeping problems.

Rayan Cherki has become one of Europe’s most exciting attacking players since joining Manchester City last summer. Spanish reports say Real Madrid and Barcelona are competing for him, while Paris Saint-Germain could also be an attractive destination given his previous experience in Ligue 1 and their preference for assembling squads rich in attacking talent.

Liverpool previously competed to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace before he moved to Manchester City in the winter transfer window of last season. A significant points deduction, relegation or expulsion could prompt a fresh move for the England defender.

Josko Gvardiol is also reportedly wanted by Real Madrid and Barcelona. The versatile defender has become one of Manchester City’s most important players, although his five-year contract extension in July could complicate any transfer.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola may also look to reunite with Antoine Semenyo, who he worked with at Bournemouth. Arsenal have shown interest in the winger in the past, meaning he would not lack options.