Breaking Gary Neville thinks he knows reason for Man City’s transfer activity after £82m deal

Manchester City are aiming for a fifth Premier League title in a row (Image: Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

As they get ready for a Premier League tribunal about their 115 alleged infractions of top-flight regulations, Manchester City has only made one acquisition this summer.

According to Gary Neville, Manchester City’s lack of activity during the transfer window may have something to do with their upcoming tribunal for 115 alleged Premier League rule violations.

Although they were quiet in the market this summer, City won their fourth consecutive Premier League title last season. According to the Express, Pep Guardiola has only added one new player: Brazilian sensation Savinho, who was acquired from Troyes for a reported £21 million.

The club has lost players like Sergio Gomez and Julian Alvarez, the latter of whom went for Atletico Madrid for £82 million. Despite this, the champions have not yet moved to replace the 24-year-old, who scored 19 goals in 54 games the previous season.

The Times claims that next month will see the start of City’s hearing about their purported 115 charges. Neville talked about if the club is being cautious during the transfer window out of concern that they would be found guilty, which might result in a variety of potential penalties, on the Stick to Football podcast.

“Last night it was announced that Manchester City’s hearing will start in four weeks,” stated the legendary Manchester United player. I wonder if they are deliberately avoiding signing anyone because they fear they will be hurled with the book.

“They might wonder why they should sign players right away if they believe they will be found guilty and something absurd occurs, causing them to be demoted or lose 20 points. After receiving £82 million for Alvarez, they may decide to wait and see.”

Should City be found guilty of the most serious charges brought against them, they may be subject to a number of sanctions, such as expulsion from the Premier League. If other possible legal delays don’t stop the hearing from starting in mid-to late-September, reports indicate that the outcome of the complex case will be known early in 2025.

Amidst the 115 accusations, it is said that the winners neglected to furnish precise financial data and particulars regarding payments to players and managers during a nine-year span from 2009 to 2018. Additionally, they are charged with breaking the Profit and Sustainability Rules of the Premier League seven times between 2015 and 2018.

The Citizens are also accused of breaking five separate times between 2013 and 2018 of not adhering to UEFA regulations, particularly Financial Fair Play. These 35 charges are on top of the ones they already have for allegedly not cooperating with Premier League investigations between December 2018 and February 2023. With key officials publicly refuting any accusations, City maintains their innocence and denies any misconduct.