Pep Guardiola is set to make a return to the Etihad at a time when Manchester City are grappling with severe turmoil, as the club faces an uncertain future. The ex-manager wishes to watch the Champions League match against PSG on October 14, shortly after a highly critical ruling from an independent commission within the Premier League.
Having departed as head coach last summer, Guardiola reportedly reached out to the club's hierarchy following the verdict, expressing his desire to show solidarity with his former players.
City have been found guilty on 114 counts out of 115 allegations brought against them, a ruling the club has vehemently rejected as it prepares to launch an appeal. The potential penalties remain undetermined at this point.
Throughout the investigation, Guardiola was a staunch ally of City, stating back in November 2024 that he would remain committed to the team, even if they faced relegation:
When clubs were accusing us of breaches and people were asking, ‘What if you get sent down?’, I said I would stay here.
I don’t know where we could end up – the Conference? But next year we will be climbing back up and return to the Premier League.
Seventy-five percent of clubs want that because I know what they do behind the scenes. But that's not what I live for.
Despite no longer being the club's head coach, Guardiola is keen to publicly support his former club during these testing times.
Meanwhile, details have emerged regarding City players’ contracts, which could pose a significant financial challenge in the event of severe sanctions.
Reports suggest that the majority of players lack clauses that would allow them to leave the club automatically if relegation occurs. Their salaries are fully guaranteed and will not decrease alongside a drop in league status.
Journalist Sami Mokbel explained:
The overwhelming majority of players do not have relegation release clauses in their contracts. This means City will maintain substantial control over the future of their star players.
As far as we know, the players’ wages are entirely guaranteed. They won't have to agree to pay cuts if the club falls out of the Premier League.
Thus, Erling Haaland will continue to pocket around £500,000 a week even if the team finds itself in a lower division.
Moreover, leaving the club could be a challenging prospect for City’s stars.
Mokbel added:
Those who consider leaving City might also face financial losses. As one of the most generous clubs in Europe, finding another team able to match such wages will be incredibly difficult.
Overall, the future of Manchester City's players remains steeped in uncertainty.
City continues to contest the verdict, so specific sanctions are yet to be disclosed. However, a combination of long-term contracts with no automatic wage reductions and the potential loss of Premier League revenues could create a distinct problem if the club indeed faces relegation.
