Manchester City could lose the vast majority of their star-studded squad if they are forcibly relegated to the Championship, according to Express Sport's analysis of each player's likely fate. The club has appealed their guilty verdict after being found guilty of breaking financial rules and have strongly maintained their innocence. However, if their appeal is rejected, things could get very messy at the Etihad Stadium.
Relegation Scenario
It's been reported that the most likely punishment would be to deduct so many points that it would be virtually impossible for City to avoid relegation. If that happens, many of their top players would almost certainly pursue exits, but a handful could remain loyal and play in England's second tier.
Express Sport looked at every member of the City squad and predicted whether they would stay or leave. The analysis suggests that 18 players could quit, while a select few, including Phil Foden, would remain.
Goalkeepers' Decisions
Among the goalkeepers, Marcus Bettinelli is predicted to stay. For a goalkeeper who doesn't play, it hardly matters what league City are in. He will be out of contract at the end of the season, but if he is handed a new deal, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him remain at the Etihad Stadium.
Gianluigi Donnarumma, however, is expected to leave. There are some players who wouldn't be seen dead playing in the Championship, and Donnarumma is among them. He's one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and elite clubs would be queuing up for his signature if City are relegated.
Geronimo Rulli is predicted to stay, with every chance he would stick around and become City's first-choice goalkeeper in the Championship with Donnarumma out of the picture.
Defenders and Young Talent
Rayan Ait-Nouri is expected to leave, as he is too good for the Championship and would have endless possibilities when it comes to finding a new club. He could jump ship to another Premier League side, go elsewhere in Europe, or even secure a lucrative contract in the Middle East.
Kaden Braithwaite, meanwhile, is predicted to stay. Regular football in the Championship would be great for his development as a player, making him likely to stick around if City drop out of the Premier League.
