Manchester City’s appeal against the Premier League verdict has extended a legal battle that could have major consequences for the club, including the possibility of sanctions affecting their top-flight status.
The independent commission found City guilty of the serious financial charges brought against them, including findings that the club used “sham” contracts and inflated sponsorship income by around £830 million.
City continue to deny wrongdoing and have lodged their appeal against the verdict. The process is expected to continue for months, while the club could also challenge any eventual sanctions.
The uncertainty has inevitably raised questions about the futures of City’s players. Relegation would leave members of the squad facing a decision over whether to remain at the club outside the Premier League, particularly those with ambitions of competing for major domestic and European honours.
However, City’s transfer strategy over recent seasons could provide a degree of protection if the worst-case scenario develops.
The Manchester Evening News reports that the club have spent more than £1 billion on players during the past three years, with recruitment increasingly focused on younger players or those approaching their prime.
City have not signed an outfield player aged over 26 since Ilkay Gundogan returned on a free transfer in 2024. The last fee paid for an outfield player in that age bracket was Mateo Kovacic in 2023.
Almost 20 senior arrivals have joined since Gundogan’s return, with Marcus Bettinelli and Geronimo Rulli the only other players over 26 among those additions.
That policy means City have accumulated a squad containing considerable potential transfer value. A large-scale sale would still represent a major disruption, but the club would have assets capable of generating significant fees.
City have also strengthened their position through new contracts. Phil Foden, Josko Gvardiol, Jeremy Doku and Abdukodir Khusanov have all extended their deals in recent months.
Only Kovacic and Bettinelli are currently due to leave at the end of the season, while Rulli and Matheus Nunes have contracts running until 2028.
The club have simultaneously invested in younger talent, with Jeremy Monga, Sverre Nypan, Matheus Detourbet and Vitor Reis among the players brought in for the future.
Academy prospects and recent additions such as Pierce Charles could also provide City with a foundation should they ever be forced to rebuild outside the Premier League.
The club remain adamant that they are innocent and the appeal will determine the next stage of the case. Yet their recent recruitment strategy means City have built a squad with substantial future value, giving them at least some protection against the financial consequences of the most severe possible outcome.