Manchester City could lose some of their biggest stars if they are expelled from the Premier League.
Manchester City could lose some of their biggest stars in a worst-case scenario
Manchester City could lose some of their biggest stars in a worst-case scenario (Image: Getty)
Manchester City are facing a huge amount of uncertainty after they were found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges levelled against them by the Premier League. The bombshell verdict was revealed on Friday, sending shockwaves around the sporting world and raising questions about what happens next. City are widely expected to appeal the ruling, having consistently denied any wrongdoing throughout the process.
If their appeal fails, a range of potential punishments could be issued, including a points deduction or substantial fine. They could even be kicked out of the Premier League altogether in the most extreme scenario. That could then cause a mass exodus at the Etihad Stadium if their biggest stars decide against the idea of playing in England's lower leagues.
If that happens, several of the Premier League's most prominent clubs would almost certainly look to poach City's top talent.
Manchester United could benefit in such a scenario by signing another left-back to replace Luke Shaw, who will be out of contract at the end of the season.
The dream target would be Josko Gvardiol, but United could be more likely to pursue a move for Rayan Ait-Nouri, who they enquired about in the final hours of the summer window.
On that occasion, they were told a firm no, but the landscape could be very different if City are expelled from the Premier League and Ait-Nouri decides he wants to leave.
Arsenal, meanwhile, could launch a blockbuster move for Erling Haaland, who has already been linked with the Gunners since the verdict was revealed on Friday.
According to Football Insider, the north Londoners and Real Madrid are keeping tabs on the Norwegian striker in light of the current situation.
Ering Haaland has already been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium
Ering Haaland has already been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium (Image: Getty)
Haaland would get into any team in the world and would be a huge signing for Arsenal, potentially helping them to tighten their grip on the Premier League for many years to come.
Liverpool could also get in on the act by pushing to sign Matheus Nunes following his transition from midfield to right-back.
Jeremie Frimpong has struggled since arriving at Anfield last summer, with Dominik Szoboszlai often deputising on the right side of defence.
A move for Nunes would allow the Hungarian to remain in central midfield while replacing Frimpong, or at least giving him more competition for a starting spot.
In terms of player exits, much will depend on City's eventual punishment, which may not be confirmed for several months or even years because of the appeal process.
But if the original guilty verdict is upheld, it won't be a surprise to see a number of high-profile stars jump ship to other Premier League clubs.