Kieran Maguire: Man City ‘masterplan’ clear as £11m Italian bargain on the cards
Man City owners City Football Group want to expand their presence in Europe in order to bypass legislative problems caused by Brexit.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the group’s imminent acquisition of Palermo.
Inside World Football reported on Monday (27 June) that CFG are on the brink of an £11.2million takeover of the Italian Serie B club.
CFG own 10 clubs worldwide, including four in Europe.
The United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union has meant clubs have had to adapt to new youth recruitment rules.
Maguire claims that CFG are looking to expand their European empire with a bargain deal for Palermo in order to bring rising stars to the Etihad via the backdoor.
“It’s a good price and it’s all part of the CFG master plan,” he told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“Following the rejection of their acquisition of NAC Breda, it’s quite clear that City still want to expand their footprint within Europe.
“This helps to address the disadvantages that Brexit has caused English clubs when they are trying to build up a portfolio of talented young players from Europe.
“The fact that you can’t recruit players who are 16 or 17 now is certainly seen as a negative by clubs.”
Man City will travel to America for a pre-season tour later this month.
They will not, however, face City Football Group-owned New York City.
In other news, Man City warned of “downside” by Alan Hutton after journalist’s “incredible” Raheem Sterling update.