‘Man City make big 115 charges statement’- ‘dramatic’ verdict
Man City splashed out in January with the second-biggest mid-season spend in Premier League history amid problems on and off the pitch.
City spent around £180million on first-team quartet Nico Gonzalez, Omar Marmoush, Victor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov – with only Chelsea spending more in January 2023.
The four moves come with Pep Guardiola’s side 15 points adrift of league leaders Liverpool and awaiting a verdict in their 115 charges fight with the Premier League.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness, who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs, has had his say on the reasons for Man City’s splurge.
Boardroom source shares instant reaction to Man City spending
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted City’s January window is a “big statement”.
Man City are locked in a legal battle with the Premier League after being hit with 115 charges in February 2023 for allegedly breaching Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules over a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018.
Wyness suggested the January window showed City are pressing on with “business as usual” despite the threat of potential punishment.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “They’ve spent a big number, about half the total number for the entire transfer window.
“I think there’s two things going on.
“Everyone, including Pep, has been surprised with the recent results. His plans, and the sporting directors plans for the squad, would have been for gradual rebuilding.
“They’ve had to do dramatic surgery pretty quickly to strengthen the squad and salvage the rest of the season.
“There are untold riches ahead in the Champions League, if they can get through Real Madrid.
“Also, they’ve got to maintain business as usual with the lawsuit and the 115 charges. They’re going to carry on as usual.
“This is a big statement. They’re in a great position with quality and value, and the wages aren’t too ridiculous.
“They can offload players if they have to, if things come to a head.”
‘Man City spending not over’ as summer window previewed
Wyness has previously told Football Insider that Man City can continue spending this summer despite a £180million January outlay.
The English champions have appointed Sporting CP’s Hugo Viana to replace Txiki Begiristain as sporting director at the Etihad Stadium.
Man City could prioritise a move for a new right-back with ex-captain Kyle Walker leaving the club to join AC Milan in a loan-to-buy move last month.
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