Kieran Maguire issues ‘huge’ Man City claim as Chinese ‘relocation’ plot emerges
Man City umbrella organisation City Football Group have a commercial masterplan in place as they look to relocate Chinese outfit Chengdu Rongcheng.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider after The Athletic reported on Monday (3 October) that CFG are looking to change the second-tier side’s home city.
Chengdu were bought by CFG, who now own 12 clubs worldwide, in 2019 but have failed to replicate the success of many of their peers in the multi-club empire’s portfolio.
It is now claimed that CFG are planning to move Chengdu 700 miles east from the city of the same name to Changsha.
Chengdu is China’s most populous city, while Changsha is its 17th.
Per The Athletic, the Chinese football authorities do not currently allow clubs to relocate but will soon relax the rules.
Maguire explored why CFG might take the controversial step of upping sticks and relocating to a smaller location.
“The relocation of Chengdu to a smaller city might on the face of things seem a bit strange,” he told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“But one has to remember that China is a huge country. It has many, many cities with a population of more than a million that could easily accommodate a significant football team.
“The reason for the move therefore could be because Chengdu would be in a more commercial market with less competition from other clubs and sports in the city to which it is moving.
“City always take a lot of care with decisions of this nature, so there is likely to be a commercial drive behind it.“
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