Manchester City’s Financial Fair Play saga still seemingly has a long way to go, with it suggested that the ‘final verdict’ is expected ‘by the end of next season’.
Despite nothing happening right now, ‘Man City expulsion’ has become a fiery topic during the international break after ex-Everton and Aston Villa CEO Keith Wyness claimed this was ‘on the table’ after the report into Nottingham Forest’s points deduction emerged.

Everton and Forest have already been made an example of, while Chelsea and Leicester City are expected to receive similar punishments in the coming months.
But the Man City case is far more complex and the potential ramifications are way more serious. The Premier League champions will be calling upon the best lawyers in the game to get them out of the mire, but a huge fine, points deduction or even a dreaded expulsion are on the cards if they are found guilty.
Yes, an expulsion and subsequent drop down to League Two for Man City seems unlikely, but wouldn’t it be more interesting to imagine a world where that would be possible? We think so.
And with that, we have decided to pick out five steps Man City *could* make en route to their inevitable return to the Premier League in under five seasons…
 
Stealing Wrexham’s recruitment model
As much as the majority of Man City‘s current squad owe their careers to the club and Pep Guardiola, there is no loyalty in football and they would leave League Two’s big-hitters at the drop of a hat once their freefall down to the fourth tier of English football is formalised.
This means Erling Haaland would get his dream move to Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain would finally get their hands on Bernardo Silva, while Kevin De Bruyne and others may head to Saudi Arabia. Oh, and Jack Grealish could return to Aston Villa, because wouldn’t that be nice?
Related video: Guardiola's first Man City XI: where are they now? (Soccer Stories)

Remember when Pep Guardiola took over as Manchester City boss

Scott Carson might finally get a game or two, but this would still leave Man City with a huge rebuild job on their hands ahead of their first season in League Two and while doing that, they would be wise to steal Wrexham’s recruitment model.
Recent League Two campaigns have been dominated by one club stealing the limelight and having the finances to sign the cream of the crop at that level.
First, it was Salford City with the lure of Gary Neville and the rest of the Class of 92, but this season it has been Wrexham with Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
Having secured their Football League return at the end of last season, Wrexham are contending for back-to-back promotions after having the funds and pulling power to build a squad immediately capable of reaching League One.
Man City’s riches are on a different stratosphere than Wrexham’s, but Financial Fair Play rules are in place throughout the pyramid. So unless they want to fall foul of more breaches, the Treble winners would be prohibited from buying costly low-level Premier League players to steamroll the minnows of League Two.

Instead, they can pursue promotion using the best of the best at that level before unceremoniously letting them go when they are surplus to requirements.
READ MORE: Man City stars reassigned after FFP ‘expulsion’… Foden to Chelsea as CB gets ‘dream’ Liverpool move
 
Replacing Pep Guardiola
It is not only Haaland, De Bruyne and co. who will depart Man City post-expulsion, as Guardiola – who is only under contract until 2025 – would surely not pen an extension to manage in League Two, especially with the England job potentially up for grabs *wink*.
So who would replace Guardiola? If Man City were in the Premier League, this would be a completely different conversation, with Roberto De Zerbi and Ange Postecoglou likely to be in the frame.
But in League Two, why not go for the manager who is currently on track to lead his Mansfield Town side to the title? Yes, that’s right. Nigel Clough is the man for the job.
While he may not be as good a manager as his father, the 58-year-old still has a pretty respectable résumé from his work in the lower divisions. As we all know, the most important factor a board must consider when looking for a new manager is whether they ‘know the club’ and Clough happens to be a former Man City player, so the shoe fits. If it worked for Frank Lampard at Chelsea… oh wait.
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City
© Provided by Football365
Pep Guardiola won’t want to manage in League Two.
 
City’s kids take the limelight
Man City have spent a bloody fortune on recruitment since their takeover in 2008 and just when their direct rivals could not be envious enough, they realise that they also have one of the best academies in the Premier League. The greedy sods.
They may be regretting their decision to sell Cole Palmer to Chelsea for just £42.5m, but Man City are still not exactly short of talented youngsters, with Rico Lewis and Oscar Bobb among the crop of fresh-faced talents making waves in the first-team.

While Guardiola has been keen to afford his young players the opportunity to shine when the time is right, it is often their superstars who take all of the spotlight.
But in this scenario, that will no longer be the case as the drop to League Two would force Guardiola’s successor (Clough, obviously) into giving the limelight to Lewis, Bobb and more emerging talent, who would become icons in their own right as they help Man City sprint towards a return to the Premier League.
 
Win the Football League Trophy
Man City have become a trophy-winning machine during Guardiola’s time as head coach but their expulsion would likely precede a bit of a drought. Not quite to the standard of Tottenham Hotspur or Newcastle United, but a drought all the same.
A prolonged run in the FA Cup or Carabao Cup would be possible, but this Man City team – which would be unrecognisable compared to their current Premier League outfit – would be expected to come up short against a high-quality foe along the way.
Barring a league title, the only other trophy that would be up for grabs for Man City as a League Two and/or League One team would be the Football League Trophy, which is now known as the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.

It would hardly be the most illustrious piece of silverware in Man City’s cabinet, but if it’s available, they may as well have a go at winning it and the trip to Wembley for the final would be a bonus.
READ MORE: Man City ‘expulsion’? Juventus and Marseille among seven European giants relegated for rule breaks
 
Repeat 1999 play-off final comeback
As alluded to above, Man City supporters needn’t get so cross about the prospect of being expelled from the Premier League as they clearly would have a lot of fun while climbing up through the divisions.
A promotion every one or two years and a Wembley visit to win the prestigious Bristol Street Motors Trophy as well; what’s not to like?
Let’s not be naive, though. It will not all be sunshine and rainbows for Man City on their Premier League return journey. As previously proved by Rangers, promotion is not always guaranteed and the Champions League holders may have to rely on the play-off route at some stage
If that were to be the case, a play-off triumph is most likely to come during their season contending with Championship silliness. And their supporters have experienced such a thing when their team got promoted to the Premier League in 1999.
On that day, Joe Royle’s Man City scored two last-gasp goals to equalise against Gillingham in a 2-2 draw before winning on penalties.
It’s always satisfying when history repeats itself so how about Man City’s third and final promotion is earned in similarly dramatic fashion in the Championship play-off final against… let’s say Manchester United.
This comes after new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s desperate attempts for glory saw him resort to dodgy dealings – a la Juventus – which resulted in the club suffering relegation like their local rivals. You surely can’t get mad at us now, can you City fans?

Liverpool urged to stop exodus by naming next boss soon as concern raised over star trio exits

Liverpool have been told they should name their next manager as quickly as possible amid concerns about the likes of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold following Jurgen Klopp out the door.
The German manager announced in January that he’ll be vacating his post at Anfield at the end of the season. His departure will bring the curtain down on a nine-year career at Liverpool.


He’s won the Premier League and the Champions League among other trophies, created a lasting bond with the fans and developed some world-class stars.
The concern from this point, according to Ally McCoist and Jeff Stelling, is that some of those players could follow him out the door, and a new manager should soon be announced to ensure they remain motivated by the Liverpool project.
“Of course they should, no doubt about it. The natural thing when you lose a person as influential with the quality that Klopp has had, you have got to be concerned about your playing staff that others follow,” McCoist said on talkSPORT.
“The one thing you would say is that in recent months he hasn’t half brought some of the youngsters in, so you could argue he is leaving the club with a good sound base but you do not want to start losing a Salah and Van Dijk and Trent.”

Stelling believes naming the next boss will at least ensure players know where they stand, but if Liverpool already know who that man is but he’s at another club, they may still have to wait so as to not put them in a tough spot.
“Maybe, if they have got their new man nailed down, they should start naming the manager now so that the players know what they are getting,” Stelling said.
“If that’s possible I agree with you, however, the new manager they might want to name may be at a different club at this moment in time and they don’t want to release that information,” McCoist added.
It seems unlikely players will be driven to leave just because Klopp will no longer be there, but other factors could add to that.
In any case, Liverpool still have a very good squad and a very good chance at success whoever is at the helm.
READ MORE: Michael Edwards follows Man City lead as Liverpool opens talks with Ligue 1 side

Manager gives two reasons why £34m Man Utd, Arsenal target ‘would be better’ at Liverpool

Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee has been told that he “would be better” at Liverpool amid reports linking him with Arsenal and Manchester United.
The 22-year-old is being heavily linked with clubs around Europe amid his ongoing breakout season for Bologna in Serie A.

Zirkzee to the Premier League?

The former Bayern Munich academy product was sold to Bologna ahead of the 2022/23 campaign. He has grabbed 11 goals and six assists in his 30 appearances across all competitions this term and he is being monitored by Arsenal and Manchester United. 
Earlier this year, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed there is a €40m (£34m) release clause in Zirkzee’s contract and he has been scouted by three European giants.

“When it comes to Zirkzee, nothing has been decided at this point. He has a release clause worth around €40million for the summer, although Bayern Munich can buy him for €20million because they have a 50 per cent sell-on clause,” Romano told GiveMeSport.
READ MORE: Why Liverpool should ‘excuse’ Xabi Alonso for Anfield no-show – and what Man City ‘expulsion’?
“I think the Zirkzee situation will be quite open for the summer. But, at the moment, he is a player being scouted by multiple clubs around Europe, including Manchester United, AC Milan and Arsenal.
“Arsenal sent some people to follow the player, so many clubs are keeping a close eye on Zirkzee. But I think it is still too early to understand whether they really want to invest that money or maybe wait until April, May or June before they make a decision.”
Ferry Verbeek – who previously worked with Zirkzee at VV Hekelingen – thinks the attacker would impress for AC Milan, but “he would be better” for Liverpool or Barcelona for two main reasons.
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is a British billionaire engineer and chairman of chemical giant

“I think he would definitely have a bright future at AC Milan,” Verbeek told Sportitalia (via Sport Witness).
“At Liverpool or Barcelona, however, he would be better in his element, with a lot of forward pressure and a lot of ball possession.”
READ MORE: Gyokeres 3rd… Top 10 available strikers ranked as Arsenal, Man Utd, Chelsea chase new No. 9

Salah to leave Liverpool?

Liverpool are already well-stocked in attacking areas but they may be forced into the market if Mo Salah leaves to join a Saudi Pro League club.
Pundit Tony Cascarino has admitted that he “wouldn’t be surprised” if Salah follows Jurgen Klopp in leaving Liverpool in the summer.

“He’s been phenomenal, his goal record is extraordinary and his attitude as a player, the fans adore him,” Cascarino said to talkSPORT.
“But I wouldn’t be surprised if he left this year, the fact he signed a two-year contract and there’s a year to go.
“I could imagine him being there as the flagship for Saudi football, there’s every chance that could happen.”

Next Man Utd manager: Southgate advised against replacing Ten Hag in job ‘fraught with danger’

Liverpool legend Graeme Souness has warned Gareth Southgate against replacing Erik ten Hag in the summer, claiming the Man Utd job is “fraught with danger.”
Having enjoyed a productive first season at the helm in 2023/23, scooping the Carabao Cup and securing Champions League qualification, Ten Hag has endured a difficult second season at Old Trafford.

With 10 Premier League games remaining, Man Utd sit a distant sixth – nine points adrift of fourth-placed Aston Villa – having finished bottom of their Champions League group in December, losing four of their six group games.
READ MORE: Next Man Utd manager: Five Gareth Southgate alternatives analysed as Ratcliffe reflects on Ten Hag future
After INEOS founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed a deal to acquire a 27.7 per cent stake in the club last month, there is a growing expectation that Man Utd will seek to employ a new manager in the summer.
TEAMtalk exclusively revealed earlier this month that Ten Hag is seen as a dead man walking within the club, with England manager Southgate likely to be included in the list of potential candidates – including Roberto De Zerbi, Ruben Amorim, Simone Inzaghi and Graham Potter – if a change is made.
TEAMtalk understands that Southgate, whose contract as England manager is due to expire at the end of this calendar year, would be very interested in taking up the role.
Related video: England manager Southgate dismisses disrespectful Man Utd links. (Sports AlDente)

My focus is solely on the European Championship.

Gareth Southgate not ‘a good fit’ for Man Utd

Appearing on talkSPORT, however, Souness fears it would be a “very, very hard ask” for a character of Southgate’s nature to succeed at Man Utd, claiming the job is “fraught with danger.”
He said: “I don’t think he’d be a good fit.
“That is a job which is fraught with danger, whoever gets it.
“Maybe we’re being rude to the current manager there – he may be there next year – but being manager of Man Utd carries a hell of a lot of weight on your shoulders.
“When you’re at a big football club like that, you wake up in the morning knowing: ‘I’m going to be confronted with several issues today that are going to be totally unexpected’.
“Every day you’re under scrutiny, every single move you make is scrutinised to the skies.
“He’s a thoroughly decent man and it would be a very, very hard ask for him to do that job.
“You’ve got to be so thick-skinned to be a manager of one of the big clubs today.


“My advice to him would be ‘no’ – I don’t see that being a quick fix.
“Man Utd are where they are – they’ve been, by their standards, [poor over recent years].”
READ MORE: Nine Man Utd players who currently earn more than Erik ten Hag, including star he’s banished
With England among the favourites to win this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament in Germany, Souness believes Southgate – whose only previous experience of club management with Middlesbrough ended after relegation from the Premier League in 2009 – would be well advised to extend his deal with the Football Association to harness the potential of his young squad.
He said: “I believe this is a golden period for English football with this group of players. Stick with that. They should only get better given the age group.
“I think Man Utd is an enormous job. He’s had one go at club management and that didn’t go too well for him.

“He’s in a glorious position. He ended up with the job through being very fortunate with what happened with Sam Allardyce, so he inherited a situation and a group of players who were just coming on to the scene that have got better and better and have not peaked yet.
“If his intention is to take a [club] managerial job no matter what, those conversations will be taking place now.”
READ MORE: Next Man Utd boss: Seven contenders to replace Ten Hag in review should Ratcliffe wield the axe
Amid suggestions that Ten Hag’s influence over recruitment will be reduced by the new regime at Man Utd after a series of underwhelming signings, Souness fears Southgate’s lack of experience in the transfer market would count against him if he was appointed at Old Trafford.
And he remains convinced Ten Hag could yet survive into next season if he can secure Champions League qualification.

He said: “With football management, the thing you have to get right first, second and third is recruitment.
“There’s a group of people there now that are going to have the biggest say in that. [Southgate] had one go at Middlesbrough and it didn’t go too well for him.
“For over a decade now, they have given a masterclass in how not to recruit at a big football club.
“Why would they change their manager?
“If they don’t get in the Champions League, don’t win the FA Cup, then do they change their manager? I think there’s a real possibility.
“If they win the FA Cup and get into the Champions League, maybe they don’t change it. It’d be a real argument not to change it.
“Not win the FA Cup and get in the Champions League? There’s still a real argument not to change it.
“These are decisions that the new football powers at Man Utd will be discussing on a regular basis. They may have already made their mind up, one way or the other.
“But whoever gets that job – if there is a new manager coming – it is fraught with danger.
“It’s a hell of a job.”
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