Man City learned guilty verdict months before £440m summer transfer spree, sources claim

Manchester City were aware of their guilty verdict on 114 of 115 Premier League financial charges months before it became public knowledge on Friday, sources have told ESPN — a period during which the club spent approximately £440m on seven senior signings.

According to ESPN, City executives were first informed of the independent panel’s findings in July. The club subsequently broke their own transfer record twice: signing Elliot Anderson for £116m in late July and Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea for £125m on 1 September. Further additions included Iliman Ndiaye from Everton (£65m), Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille (£86m), Allan from Palmeiras (£34m), Jeremy Monga from Leicester (£12.5m), and Geronimo Rulli from Marseille (approximately £1.7m).

City declined to comment when approached by ESPN on Tuesday. The Premier League, for its part, said it would not comment on matters of a “private and confidential” nature, and City are expected to appeal the verdict.

Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak addressed supporters in a letter on Saturday, thanking fans for their continued backing and reaffirming the club’s intention to fight the findings. City have maintained their innocence throughout proceedings, which began when the 115 charges were first brought in February 2023.

CEO Ferran Soriano, who attended a meeting in Copenhagen alongside Premier League officials this week, appeared to signal that a final resolution remains some way off. He is reported to have told those present: “It has taken eight years to reach this point and it will still take much more time.” Soriano did not take questions from the media afterwards.

The Premier League has indicated it will not confirm any punishment until the entire process — including any appeal — has concluded, meaning supporters and clubs across the division face a potentially lengthy wait for clarity on the consequences.