Man City FFP: City told ‘best outcome’ as Haaland ‘might want’ Arsenal or Man Utd move
Erling Haaland “might want” to stay in England, amid Arsenal and Man Utd rumours, if he leaves Man City over the club’s potential punishment, according to an ex-City star.
The Citizens found out over the most recent international break that they had been found guilty of 114 of their 115 charges after being accused of breaching the Premier League’s financial fair play rules.
Man City strenuously deny any wrongdoing and have appealed the decision but there has already been speculation over what punishment the club could face if the verdict is upheld.
A report recently revealed that Man City are ‘increasingly likely to get a single-season points deduction of around 40 to 50 points should their appeal against breaking Premier League financial rules fail’.
And now former Man City star Michael Ball is still hoping the the Citizens will have the decision overturned and will be allowed to play on in the Premier League.
Ball exclusively told TEAMtalk: “The best outcome would be for the findings to be overturned. Beyond that, City will want to remain in the Premier League and continue competing. They may look at other cases and hope the outcome is a fine.
READ: Man City FFP: ‘Unlikely’ punishment emerges as some at City push for final outcome ‘sooner’
“There are so many possible consequences: players leaving, changes to the squad and wider questions about the club.
“But if they remain in the Premier League, I think City would see that as a victory.”
Player exits seem likely if Man City are relegated or face years out of European competiton with the potential departure of Haaland the first name on everyone’s lips.
Haaland ‘might want to stay’ in the Premier League if Man City are punished
Haaland has been linked with Arsenal and Man Utd if Man City face a particularly brutal punishment and Ball could see him potentially staying in England.
Ball added: “I have always felt his career has a clear progression.
READ: Man City FFP: ‘Lifelong Man Utd fan’ on five-person panel deciding City punishment
“He did well at Dortmund, moved to City — the club he supported as a child — and wanted to win everything there. The next step could be another major challenge, perhaps Real Madrid or Barcelona.
“I find it difficult to see him staying in the Premier League if he leaves City. From the outside, it feels as though he wants to experience different stages and tick off different achievements.
“But only he knows. If he is happy in England, he might want to stay.”
When asked if Haaland could play in the same team as Kylian Mbappe if he made a move to Real Madrid, Ball continued: “Well, I would not want to play against them, I know that much!
“I would be happy watching from the sofa, though. Having those two together would be a fantastic spectacle.”
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