With an Independent Commission finding Manchester City guilty of all charges related to serious breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules, the footballing world has been rocked.
Man City have appealed the verdict, but if this is unsuccessful, the sanctions will almost certainly be unprecedented. From stripped titles to point deductions and possibly even Premier League exclusion, most expect the Etihad outfit to be hit hard.
If that does happen, it will be rather interesting to see what could happen to the club's big-name players. Already, there has been talk that Erling Haaland could leave.
Haaland Linked With Arsenal, Barcelona and Real Madrid
Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland
Soon after the next broke that Man City had been found guilty, star striker Haaland was linked with numerous big clubs. Journalist Graeme Bailey claimed that the Norwegian and his camp are eyeing the summer of 2027 as an exit point, noting:
He then listed the interested teams, explaining: “I was told by an Arsenal source [that] clearly if a player like Haaland comes on the market - as they are one of the biggest clubs in Europe - they’re going to be interested."
Before adding: “But my understanding is that Erling Haaland wants to go to Spain. Primarily, we’re talking Real Madrid and Barcelona.”
MixCollage-25-Mar-2025-09-48-AM-7183
Haaland Buys New Home in Abu Dhabi
Erling Haaland smiling
Action images via Reuters/ Lee Smith
Amid those rumours, it's interesting that Haaland has recently become a homeowner outside of the United Kingdom. However, Man City fans can perhaps ease concerns, as the property is in Abu Dhabi.
As per the Sun, the fancy new house is part of the Man City Ohana Residences in the UAE. Haaland revealed the news at an event to help launch City’s collaboration with real estate company Ohana Residences. Addressing the Etihad Arena in the UAE, the Premier League star said:
It's not yet known which exact property Haaland owns, but the price is likely to be in the millions. After all, the average two-bed townhouse on the Yas Island waterfront costs more than £770,000. It's noted that the crown jewel of the residences will come under the custom estates, starting at upwards of £7.52m.
And with all the townhouses and villas exceeding the UAE’s property investment threshold, the purchase of any home will also come with a ten-year Golden Visa, allowing the new homeowners to remain in the country. What's more, the community will boast their own Man City Training Academy, a City Lounge and spaces for socialising, dining and recreation.
With Abu Dhabi's investment in Manchester City started in 2008, club fans will be glad to see Haaland connecting his personal life to the Etihad side amid the recent exit talk attached to his name. Addressing the guilty charges for the first time, the 26-year-old also called for unity, remarking:
“I care a lot about City, I care a lot about the fans because I am a fan myself and I feel with them as well. We have to stick together, we have to stay with each other and we have to stay positive.”
At the very least, his actions do not appear to be those of someone who plans to leave Man City any time soon. That could all change, however, once the punishment for the rule-breaking is known.