Manchester City’s summer transfer plans risk being thrown into disarray, as threats of missing out on Champions League football or even relegation hang over the club.
City have been charged by the Premier League with more than 100 rule breaches, mainly relating to alleged financial misdemeanours.
If found guilty, they could face a points deduction or even expulsion from the division, but the case may take years to resolve, meaning City will likely head into the next transfer window with uncertainty instead of any punishment.
That could prove a major stumbling block in any attempt to attract key targets, including England midfielders Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, in what manager Pep Guardiola had hoped would be a significant summer of rebuilding.
The City boss has questioned the desire of a squad who have won four of the past five Premier League titles and, having signed young forwards Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland last summer, is expected to focus on revitalising his midfield and defensive options.
Full-back Joao Cancelo has already joined Bayern Munich on an initial loan deal, while Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan could leave in the summer.
City are among a number of suitors chasing both Rice and Bellingham, but being unable to guarantee Champions League football would leave them at a significant disadvantage.
Guardiola is also desperate for reinforcements at full-back and has been linked with a move for Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell while Southampton right-back Timo Livramento is a long-term target.
City have made one significant signing, with top barrister Lord Pannick KC reportedly set to earn up to £80,000-a-day to fight the club’s corner in the case.
