Manchester City's potential punishment for financial rule violations in the Premier League continues to cause uncertainty regarding the club's future. While final sanctions are yet to be decided, the Citizens are preparing to appeal the verdict.
Amid speculation about a possible relegation from the English Premier League, discussions surrounding the future of the team's key players are already underway.
According to journalist The Athletic David Ornstein, Manchester City may not be in the Premier League next season. Other British sources have also suggested the likelihood of a serious sporting punishment. Meanwhile, it's unclear what sanctions will be imposed and whether they will impact the division in which the team competes.
Tribuna.com has explored possible destinations for City’s top players in a hypothetical scenario involving relegation.
Gianluigi Donnarumma – Chelsea, Bayern Munich or PSG
One of the potential suitors for Gianluigi Donnarumma is Chelsea. The London club may look to bolster their goalkeeping position, and the 27-year-old Italian could provide a long-term solution.
Bayern Munich is another possibility as they look to prepare a replacement for Manuel Neuer, who is currently 40. A return to PSG can't be ruled out either, especially if the Parisian club and the goalkeeper can mend their relationship.
Ruben Dias – Chelsea, Real Madrid or Barcelona
Ruben Dias could strengthen Chelsea's central defence, particularly as they operate with three centre-backs. The Portuguese star's experience and quality make him an attractive target for the Blues.
In Spain, both Real Madrid and Barcelona have been mentioned as potential destinations. Madrid has long sought reinforcement in central defence, while Dias could also fit well with Barcelona’s playing style.
Marc Guehi – Liverpool or Real Madrid
Liverpool may once again be interested in Marc Guehi. A move for the Crystal Palace defender to Anfield fell through at the last moment in the summer of 2025, and he subsequently joined Manchester City. If circumstances don't favour the Citizens, the Merseysiders could revisit the Englishman's case.
Real Madrid has also been linked with Guehi, reportedly monitoring his performances during his time at Crystal Palace.
Abdulkadir Huseynov – Bayern Munich or Inter Milan
Abdulkadir Huseynov could thrive in the Bundesliga, with Bayern Munich showing interest as a potential destination. The German league might offer the defender the conditions necessary for further development and game experience.
Inter Milan is another option, as they traditionally focus on strengthening their defence. There is also a theoretical possibility of a move to Borussia Dortmund, although financial conditions may prove to be a hurdle.
Josko Gvardiol – Real Madrid or Bayern Munich
Real Madrid has previously been linked with interest in Josko Gvardiol. Reports suggest that Madrid sees the Croatian as a defender capable of playing both centrally and on the left flank.
Bayern Munich may also take an interest in the player as they had tracked him during his time at RB Leipzig.
Niko O’Reilly – Arsenal
Niko O'Reilly could catch Arsenal’s eye due to his versatility. The Englishman is capable of playing in several positions, including left-back and central midfield, while his physical attributes and positional play align with Mikel Arteta’s requirements.
Moreover, his English passport adds to the appeal for the London club.
Elliot Anderson – Manchester United, Liverpool or Chelsea
According to Tribuna.com, all three clubs have considered Elliot Anderson as a midfield reinforcement. However, the potential cost for the midfielder could pose a challenge for negotiations.
Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea might revisit the possibility of signing the Englishman should the opportunity arise, as they all seek to enhance their midfield options.
Enzo Fernandez – Real Madrid or PSG
Due to his high wage demands, a transfer to another English club could prove difficult for Enzo Fernandez. Therefore, he is being linked to Real Madrid and PSG as possible options.
Madrid continues to look for ways to strengthen their midfield, although they previously publicly denied any interest in the Argentine. French media have connected PSG with the player, believing he could be a competitor or eventual replacement for Fabian Ruiz.
Ayub Bouaddi – Manchester United, Liverpool, Real Madrid or PSG
Young midfielder Ayub Bouaddi could attract the attention of several top European clubs. Manchester United might offer him the chance for regular first-team football.
Liverpool, Real Madrid, and PSG are also considered potential destinations. Although the competition for places in these teams may be higher, the player would have the opportunity to develop in a strong footballing environment.
Ryan Cherki – Bayern Munich
Finding a suitable club for Ryan Cherki could be challenging, as many major European teams already have players in his position. Real Madrid boasts Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler, while Barcelona has Dani Olmo and Fermín López.
However, Bayern Munich has emerged as a potential option. Despite an array of attacking midfielders, injuries and the versatility of some players could open a pathway for Cherki to gain playing time.
Jeremy Doku – Arsenal
Arsenal might consider bringing in Jeremy Doku to strengthen their attacking flanks. The Gunners previously searched for a star player in this position, although not all transfer targets materialised.
His speed, dribbling, and one-on-one capabilities make the Belgian a potentially interesting option for Arteta's squad. However, it’s noted that Doku still needs to improve in finishing and effectiveness.
Iliman Ndiaye – Manchester United, Tottenham, Atletico Madrid or Saudi Arabia
If he leaves Manchester City, Iliman Ndiaye may find his options among elite European clubs more limited. Potential destinations include Manchester United, Tottenham, and Atletico Madrid.
Alternatively, a switch to Saudi Arabia could provide him with enticing financial conditions.
Antoine Semenyo – Liverpool, Manchester United or Chelsea
Antoine Semenyo previously joined Manchester City, beating out competitors for his signature. Should circumstances force him to seek a new club, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea may once again come calling.
Semenyo is capable of playing in various attacking positions and can also provide defensive support on the flanks, making him a good fit for Chelsea's three-centre-back system.
Erling Haaland – Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid or PSG
The most high-profile potential departure could be that of Erling Haaland. Barcelona has emerged as one possible destination, with fans already speculating about the Norwegian joining their attack alongside Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
Bayern Munich might see Haaland as a long-term replacement for Harry Kane, who is 33, at the time of writing. Meanwhile, PSG could also be in the running for a traditional centre-forward.
Finally, Real Madrid remains a potential suitor. However, signing Haaland would necessitate significant changes to their attacking line, which already includes Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.
What happens next?
All the mentioned options are speculation rather than confirmed transfer plans from clubs. Manchester City intends to appeal the verdict in the financial case, with the final punishment and its timing yet to be clarified.
Thus, the future of the players hinges primarily on the final outcome of the case. Until official information emerges, any talk of Manchester City’s relegation and mass exodus of its stars should be treated as a hypothetical scenario.
