Manchester City ‘fear their legal troubles could affect their pursuit of Jude Bellingham
Manchester City ‘fear their legal troubles could affect their summer rebuild and pursuit of Jude Bellingham with Pep Guardiola wanting two midfielders, at least one full-back and a winger this summer’ to revamp his struggling side
Manchester City’s pursuit of Jude Bellingham could reportedly be complicated by the bombshell charges announced by the Premier League over alleged financial rule breaches.
The Premier League announced on Monday that the reigning champions faced more than 100 charges, with a disciplinary commission now set to determine the club’s fate.
Should Man City be found guilty, they face a range of potential sanctions including a points deduction or even an expulsion – though it could take years to come to a conclusion.
According to the Telegraph, the potential uncertainty and risk of a significant punishment could complicate the club’s transfer business in the summer, including their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund‘s Jude Bellingham.
Central midfield has been targeted as a key area for City to strengthen in the summer, with the England international seen as one of the club’s main targets.
Manchester City are one of several clubs pursuing Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham
Pep Guardiola is seeking to introduce fresh faces to his side in a summer rebuild
Bellingham has been coveted by top clubs around Europe, with Real Madrid and Liverpool seeking to emerge as the winners of a fierce competition for his signature.
City are reportedly targeting Bellingham as one of two potential midfield arrivals to fresh the heart of the team, with star Kevin De Bruyne turning 32 this summer.
Ilkay Gundogan, the club captain whose contract expires in June, has strong interest from Barcelona on a free transfer and is now free to discuss moves with foreign clubs.
The German will turn 33 next season.
Bernardo Silva, meanwhile, has made no secret of a desire to leave for Spain after six years in England.
City are reportedly also keen to secure a full back in the summer with Kyle Walker turning 33 in March, while Joao Cancelo’s long-term future appears in doubt after he was allowed to join Bayern Munich on loan in January.
AC Milan’s Rafael Leao has been closely monitored by City as a potential addition on the winger, while Napoli’s Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia also has suitors.
City are reportedly planned to press ahead with their summer plans despite the threat of disciplinary action.
City are seeking long-term replacements for stalwarts Bernando Silva and Kyle Walker
Officials are expected to stress to targets their belief the club will be cleared of any breaches of Premier League rules.
The Premier League’s charges against City include more than a hundred alleged breaches of financial rules between 2009 and 2018.
City have also been accused of failing to co-operate with the investigation since it began in December 2018.
The Premier League champions said it was surprised by the alleged breaches.
‘Manchester City FC is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with,’ a statement read.
‘The Club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent Commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position.
‘As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all.’