It is a frustrating scenario – not least for many at City, who are irritated at the cloud hanging over the club – but multiple sources have told The i Paper that the prospect of an imminent conclusion to the case is “unrealistic”.
Pep Guardiola plans to spend big in the summer transfer window (Photo: Getty)
Originally there was an expectation – heightened by comments from Pep Guardiola – that a decision would be arrived at in early spring, but that deadline has passed and the view of several sources is that the start of the summer “at the earliest” is now the more realistic scenario.
One believes that, with the potential for appeals to follow the initial verdict, the case could drag on for “another couple of years”.
“Arbitrators won’t necessarily pay attention to the frenzy around it [the case]. They’ll have a lot of material to get through, the stakes are very high and they need to cover all bases. They won’t want to leave any room for either side to argue there is procedural unfairness.
“It does lead us into a position where we might not have a decision until leading into next season and then, subject to appeals, there’s going to be a lot of uncertainty about their placement in the league, how it impacts other clubs in the competition, so there is a lot we still don’t know.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz is another player on their radar (Photo: Getty)
That threatens to prolong the uncertainty of clubs fighting for Champions League spots alongside City, who now look handily placed to finish the season in the Premier League’s top five after moving into third over the weekend.
City intend to revitalise their squad in a bid to reclaim the Premier League title, planning to spend big in the summer transfer window on three or four players.
Those inside the game believe that “only a handful of people” have any idea of when clarity will be offered on what is being dubbed football’s “trial of the century”.
City have been accused of not providing accurate financial information over nine seasons and punishments – if they are found guilty – could range from expulsion from the league to heavy points deductions and swingeing fines.
Your next read
square FOOTBALLArsenal disadvantage prompts Uefa to consider Champions League rule change
square FOOTBALLWho Liverpool should sign to replace Trent, according to transfer experts
square FOOTBALLNottingham Forest need to fix Chris Wood to save their Champions League dream
square FOOTBALLCarlisle United are proof that shortcuts rarely exist
And it is understood that plans are already well under way for a summer reset, with Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White among the priority targets identified by sporting director Hugo Viana. A deal is understood to be progressing for the England international.
With Kevin De Bruyne on his way out – a decision taken by the club hierarchy even though the midfielder was keen to stay – they are looking to invest substantially to replace him.
City want Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz and plan to offset the costs of their recruitment drive by making senior stars available, thus avoiding putting too much pressure on their position with regard to the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules (PSR).
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Man City plot summer transfer spree – with 115 charges verdict delayed )
Also on site :