Manchester City have continued to invest heavily in new players despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the 115 charges of financial breaches levied against the club. Since January 2025, City has spent approximately €695 million on recruitment, and this summer has already seen a club-record fee of around €135 million paid for Elliot Anderson.
A hearing regarding the charges took place in late 2024 and early 2025, but a final decision has yet to be announced, nearly two years later. The charges relate to alleged financial irregularities between 2009 and 2018, and if found guilty, City could face a significant points deduction or even relegation. Despite the potential severity of the consequences, the club’s transfer activity has remained remarkably consistent.
City’s spending this summer could rise to nearly €800 million with the potential signing of Moroccan international Ayyoub Bouaddi, who is also attracting interest from other top European clubs. The club has partially offset this expenditure through player sales, generating over €100 million in revenue last year and more than €140 million in the summer of 2024. Their consistent success in the Champions League and strong commercial revenues also contribute to their financial position.
The continued investment has led to speculation about City’s confidence in the outcome of the charges. Some believe they anticipate a favorable verdict, while others suggest they are attempting to future-proof the squad in case of a severe penalty, potentially including a transfer ban. By securing young talents like Rayan Cherki, Anderson, and Bouaddi, they aim to maintain competitiveness even under challenging circumstances, and protect the club’s overall value should a sale become necessary.
Former Manchester City advisor Stefan Borson has noted a shift in the workload of Lord Pannick KC, the club’s lead barrister, with increased activity in the House of Lords, suggesting a potential lessening of focus on the City case. Borson also highlighted that payments to Pannick are listed as private, rather than originating from the United Arab Emirates, raising questions about the ownership structure of the club and whether it is considered state-controlled.
