Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki would reportedly agree to join Barcelona if Manchester City is forced to sell players due to financial fair play sanctions. The potential double swoop could cost up to £222m if the reigning Premier League champions face severe penalties.
Financial Fair Play Verdict and Relegation Fears
Manchester City learned during the international break that they were found guilty of 114 out of 115 charges related to breaches of Premier League financial fair play regulations. The club has appealed the verdict while maintaining their innocence, though speculation regarding potential punishments continues to grow.
A report from the Daily Mail suggested that a severe points deduction leading to relegation from the top flight is the most probable penalty. Such an outcome would jeopardize the futures of numerous squad members, leaving players facing football outside the top division and potentially missing out on Champions League participation for multiple seasons.
Furthermore, standard relegation wage reduction clauses present in many player contracts mean the club would likely lose several top performers if extreme sanctions are applied.
Barcelona Monitoring the Situation
As clubs position themselves to capitalize on the uncertainty, reports from Spain indicate that Barcelona are targeting both Haaland and Cherki. Sources suggest both players would accept a switch to the Catalan club if sporting sanctions compel Manchester City to part ways with key personnel.
Cherki would reportedly consider listening to Barcelona if disciplinary measures threaten his career in England, though any potential transfer relies on Fermin leaving to generate funds and squad space. Ultimately, negotiations depend on whether City’s circumstances truly facilitate player departures, alongside transfer fee evaluations and competing offers from other suitors.
Additional reports from Spain state that Manchester City would demand €110m (£92m) for Cherki, while claims suggest Barcelona are preparing a £130m bid for Haaland.
Team News Ahead of Aston Villa Clash
Meanwhile, Haaland, Nico O’Reilly, Matheus Nunes, and Mateo Kovacic all missed a 5-1 Champions League victory over AEK Athens on Tuesday after sustaining injuries against Ipswich Town.
Head coach Maresca stated on Thursday that Haaland is fully fit for the weekend fixture against Aston Villa. Maresca explained to reporters that Haaland is the only player guaranteed to play, while the availability of the other three injured players remains uncertain pending a final training session.
