Manchester City’s off-the-field activities have garnered significant attention lately – especially regarding the 115 alleged breaches of the financial fair play rules.
Official hearings regarding Manchester City’s 115 alleged breaches of financial fair play rules began in September. Over a span of two months, an independent commission gathered information, facts and evidence. This phase was scheduled to conclude by the end of November.
The next stage involves evaluating the collected data to reach a final decision, which is expected in March. Given this timeline, it’s reasonable to assume that by now, there should be some clarity about the direction of the case.
Indeed, the first pieces of information are already surfacing in the media, particularly from The Athletic, which refers to people ‘with knowledge of the situation’:
📝 “Nobody knows for sure right now, with a verdict expected to be reached in March, but City have always been confident and some with knowledge of the situation, speaking anonymously to protect relationships, think that the sanction City face will not be more serious than a fine.
In other words, alternative punishments – such as a significant points deduction in the Premier League, potentially leading to relegation to the Championship – are becoming increasingly unlikely. The Athletic, when addressing this topic, highlights the behaviour of City’s management, which no longer exhibits signs of panic or pre-crisis anxiety. Quite the opposite, in fact
Currently, there is no information on whether the contract includes a clause addressing potential points deductions or relegation to the Championship. Nonetheless, the deal stands out as significant amid ongoing discussions of a favourable ruling for City by the Commission.
Here’s an interesting tidbit: a fan calculated the number of months between the announcement of Haaland’s extended contract and the expiring date, arriving at an almost symbolic 115 (technically 114). Coincidence? Or perhaps a subtle, sarcastic nod from City’s management?
Incidentally, Pep Guardiola also extended his contract in November, committing to the club until 2027.
Manchester City’s mid-season rebuild during what has been a disappointing campaign is another indicator of their ambitions, undertaken with significant financial outlay. The club can afford it, as they’ve consistently met Financial Fair Play (FFP) requirements in recent years.
💬 “In the summer, we discussed transfers at the club, but I said, ‘No, I don’t want to sign anyone.’ I had high hopes for the players we already had. I thought I could succeed with them again. But after all these injuries, I now realize we perhaps should have entered the market,” Pep Guardiola has recently admitted.
In January 2025, City may spend more on transfers than they have in all their previous winter windows under Guardiola combined. This milestone will be reached once all three new signings are officially announced. Additionally, they’ll break Pep’s record for a winter transfer at City – €69 million for Aymeric Laporte in 2018.
The winter transfer market saw City make a significant splash – with spending potentially exceeding €200 million
Omar Marmoush (Eintracht Frankfurt forward) – €80 million with bonuses
Marmoush is seen as a direct replacement for Julian Alvarez that was not signed in the summer. While he is unlikely to be a backup for Erling Haaland, he offers versatility across various attacking positions. He comes at a steep price – not just the transfer fee, but also a €16 million annual salary (10 after taxes) for the 25-year-old Egyptian.
The first of two defensive reinforcements, Khusanov is a somewhat under-the-radar acquisition but is regarded as one of the leading young talents in his position.
Who is Manchester City’s new €50m signing Abdukodir Khusanov?
Reis is one of the brightest stars in the Brazilian market and has been pursued by top European clubs, with Real Madrid particularly interested. However, City acted decisively. Negotiations with Palmeiras were prolonged, as the Brazilian club was reluctant to release the 19-year-old before the summer, hoping he would help them in the Club World Cup.