Man City stars linked with exits if points deduction hits

March 4, 2026 Oliver Obel

More than three years after the Premier League charged Manchester City with 115 alleged financial breaches, the case remains unresolved and the potential consequences continue to fuel debate across English football.

The charges relate to a period between 2009 and 2018. City have consistently denied wrongdoing and said they welcome the opportunity to defend themselves. A verdict has yet to be delivered.

What Punishments Are Possible?

If the club were found guilty, the range of sanctions could be severe. The Premier League has the authority to impose fines, deduct points, strip titles or, in extreme circumstances, expel a club from the division.

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire previously told media outlets that a significant points deduction is a realistic possibility, suggesting a penalty as high as 60 points could be imposed in a worst-case scenario.

For context, recent Premier League cases involving Everton and Nottingham Forest resulted in points deductions for financial rule breaches, though on a far smaller scale. A sanction as large as the one Maguire outlined would fundamentally alter City’s competitive position and could have major implications for the playing squad.

Transfer Market Ripple Effects

Clubs across Europe would inevitably monitor the situation closely if City were to face a heavy sporting penalty. Elite players typically seek Champions League football, and uncertainty can accelerate transfer movement.

Erling Haaland’s long-term contract which runs until 2034 offers City strong protection on paper. However, Spanish media have repeatedly linked him with both Real Madrid and Barcelona. Reports have suggested that clauses within his deal could eventually facilitate a move abroad, though those details have never been publicly confirmed by the club.

Phil Foden represents a different case. A product of City’s academy, he has built his entire senior career in Manchester. Any departure would mark a significant cultural shift for the club. Past speculation has connected him with Arsenal, where Mikel Arteta a former City assistant coach is now manager, but no formal approach has been reported.

Rodri, widely regarded as one of the world’s leading midfielders and the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, has also been linked with Real Madrid in previous transfer windows. Spanish outlets have long described him as a profile admired at the Bernabeu, particularly as Madrid continue to reshape their midfield following Toni Kroos’ retirement.

Goalkeeping and Wider Squad Depth

In goal, Brazil international Ederson has previously attracted interest from Saudi Pro League clubs. While he remains under contract, the rapid financial growth of Middle Eastern football has demonstrated its ability to tempt established European stars.

Whether any of these scenarios materialize would depend heavily on the scale of punishment and the timing of any appeals process. Legal proceedings of this magnitude can take months or longer to conclude.

For now, City continue to compete while maintaining their innocence. But until a final ruling is delivered, uncertainty will remain part of the conversation both on the pitch and in the transfer market.

Sources: SPORTbible reporting; Premier League statements; previous comments by Kieran Maguire