The players Man City could lose in transfer window after FFP charges

Are Man City at risk of losing some of their most prized assets?
Are Man City at risk of losing some of their most prized assets? / Marc Atkins/GettyImages
facebooktwitterreddit

Manchester City's FFP breaches have thrown the club's short, mid and long-term future into disarray.

The extent of their financial mishaps could warrant an unprecedentedly strong punishment from the Premier League, with expulsion from the top-flight being discussed as a possibility.

Who knows what's going to happen, perhaps a slap on the wrist will suffice once City get their army of lawyers involved, but the club will not be able to turn to the Court of Arbitration for Sport for aid on this occasion. They're fighting their own battle.

Thus, with a cloud of uncertainty consuming the Etihad, the possibility of a mass exodus this summer can't be completely ruled out. Here are a few players Man City could lose as a result of their FFP breaches.


1. Ilkay Gundogan

Ilkay Gundogan
Ilkay Gundogan's contract at the Etihad expires in the summer / Marc Atkins/GettyImages

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 pen an extension with City, this situation has undoubtedly thrown a spanner in the works.

While it's hard to envisage a final decision regarding the club's punishment being made anytime soon, such doubt could convince Gundogan to move on while he can.

The sunshine of Barcelona is calling his name, and the German international could ride off into the sunset as the chaos unfolds in Manchester.


2. Bernardo Silva

Bernardo Silva - Soccer Midfielder
Bernardo Silva has been linked with a move to Barcelona / Visionhaus/GettyImages

Another protagonist amid City's dominance, Bernardo Silva has flirted with the idea of joining Barcelona for a couple of years now.

However, the Catalans' crippling finances have prevented the move from transpiring. Silva, who continues to impress despite City's issues, would be a huge loss given his importance in helping City retain possession under pressure and getting them up the pitch.

But, Pep's side are in need of a refresh this summer and Bernardo could depart in favour of fresh blood. Should Barça retain their interest, it's likely they won't have to pay what's been reported in recent transfer windows.


3. Erling Haaland

Erling Braut Håland
Could Erling Haaland be on the move? / Visionhaus/GettyImages

Should Man City face severe punishment for their financial misdoings, there's no doubt that Europe's elite will sniff around for the club's premier talent.

Erling Haaland is their most prized asset after joining from Borussia Dortmund in the summer. While there are still teething issues regarding his suitability to Guardiola's framework, 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 well on course to smash Alan Shearer and Andy Cole's joint single-season scoring record (34 goals).

While very few could afford the forward, Europe's behemoths, led by their proud owners, will try their utmost to sign Haaland.

After missing out on Kylian Mbappe, Florentino Perez could try his luck at acquiring the Frenchman's generational contemporary before the Norwegian's €200m release clause kicks in in 2024.


4. Ruben Dias

Ruben Dias
Ruben Dias has barely featured for Man City since the World Cup / BSR Agency/GettyImages

Ruben Dias' arrival in 2020 ignited another period of sky-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. He made 61 Premier League appearances amid City's two title triumphs in 2020/21 and 2021/22, but a hamstring injury has hampered his current campaign.

A once pivotal figure has seemingly become dispensable and City could part ways with the Portuguese international should their financial woes deem it necessary.

Dias remains a prized asset, and a long list of clubs will be queuing up to sign him.