Might the monopolists of the Premier League, Manchester City, have another volatile season ahead that spells disaster to the dominance they have bestowed upon English football? Manchester City has been under probe for 115 claims of alleged breaches of profit and sustainability rules (PSR), and their future may see a change in complexion. While City denies the allegations outright, the implications of the outcome of this case could be stark: ripples that reverberate down to their team and its management that result in key exits, including manager Pep Guardiola and team striker Erling Haaland.
Another big loss for City's stability may be the confirmed exit of director of football Txiki Begiristain at the end of the season. Begiristain, the man behind City's winning transfer policy, had played a pivotal role in bringing Guardiola to the club. According to the former, he thinks that if Begiristain worked somewhere else, then certainly he would have probably followed the latter. Going forward, many are concerned that Guardiola will not spend at City as he did at Barcelona and Bayern Munich. This might present Guardiola with a pressure cooker situation, especially if he loses a close confidant and is faced with allegations of financial issues, and it may not be unusual for him to quit before the season ends.
City's problems are not over because of the future of their star players. Probably the club's most prized asset, Erling Haaland has been constantly touted to join Real Madrid. The deal may be challenging with the festering wound on his father's side over the way the fans of Madrid treat him. Until there is a clear future for the club financially and Guardiola is at the helm, Haaland may want out. Those stars who leave along with Haaland if the club gets battered by points deductions, fines, or possibly being expelled from both the Premier League and European tournaments will follow suit.
The financial breach probe and any findings over City's compliance with rules on profit and sustainability in the Premier League are fundamental to the club's immediate future. In case City is found guilty, the effects will range from point deductions to elimination from top-flight football and European tournaments, and that would be a nightmare for City supporters as they have witnessed their team go to unprecedented success under the tutelage of Guardiola. Pushing City out of the elite competition would almost certainly lead to the exodus of world-class players and mark the end of their current dominance.
The on-field pains of City have now been augmented with Rodri, who has a long-term injury from their midfield. Spanish International's possibility of missing the rest of the season has taken a higher hit on City's hopes to retain the Premier League title. Financial penalties or squad departures are not enough to disrupt the entire team, and Rodri's absence can further scupper the campaign.
The current challenges the city faces may be emerging as the most crucial 12 months in the club's life since modern history, with the results of the current financial case possibly being matched by impending managerial and player exits to mark the end of the era for Manchester City and leave them rebuilding from scratch.
