Manchester City will face interest from Barcelona in Pep Guardiola and two players if they are sanctioned by the Premier League for breaking financial regulations, according to a report.
A week ago, the Premier League charged City with over 100 breaches of its Financial Fair Play rules. That came after a four-year investigation into the club’s books.
City immediately hit back by admitting their ‘surprise’ at the allegations. They claim there is plenty of evidence showing they have not broken any rules.
Guardiola has full trust in City officials and believes they will successfully clear their name. During a press conference, he also warned rival teams to be careful what they wish for. This is because a financial investigation could start on their books next.
Should the reigning Premier League champions end up losing, then the punishment could be severe. It can range from a points deduction to a transfer ban, or even being relegated from the top flight.
Should the latter happen, then a lot of City’s best players will want to leave. And BBC Sport, who cite reports coming from Spain, provide some information on where two players might go.
Their gossip column reveals Barcelona want manager Guardiola back if City receive punishment. This would see the coach return to the club where he won a plethora of trophies as boss between 2008 and 2012.
And Guardiola might not be the only one to swap the Etihad for the Nou Camp. The report claims Barca also hold an interest in City forward Julian Alvarez.
Barcelona eye Man City attacker and midfielder
The 23-year-old’s stock rose considerably as he scored four goals on Argentina’s route to the World Cup trophy. He is gradually getting more game time in a City shirt too and could soon become one of their most regular goalscorers.
However, Alvarez has impressed Barca recruitment staff and they now want to take him to La Liga. Perhaps they view him as a natural successor to current centre-forward Robert Lewandowski. He is in the twilight years of his career at 34.
Alvarez is not the only City ace Barca hope to capture. They are also eyeing up central midfielder Rodri.
City paid Atletico Madrid £62.8million to sign Rodri in 2019, with a view to him becoming Fernandinho’s long-term replacement. And the 26-year-old has gone from strength to strength since then, emerging into one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.
Barca hope FFP sanctions will aid transfer pursuits
But Barca reckon he would be an excellent addition to take their midfield to the next level. As such, if City are punished for the alleged FFP breaches, they hope Rodri will follow Guardiola and Alvarez to Catalonia.
It will be worrying for City fans to hear that Guardiola, Alvarez and Rodri are all wanted by Barca. However, the trio will probably only consider leaving City if they lose their appeal against the Premier League and are then given the worst punishment possible.
City appear to have full confidence they will be able to fight the accusations off. Plus, even if they are punished, it is more likely they will be given a transfer ban than being demoted to a lower division. And a transfer ban would not result in a mass exodus of City stars to other major clubs.
