Premier League rivals are already trying to take advantage of the uncertainty surrounding City by targeting some of the club’s leading academy prospects, according to BBC Sport.
The BBC Sport report says a number of clubs are “already working” on whether they can capitalise on City’s situation by attempting to lure away some of their best young players.
No players or interested clubs are named, but the development adds another potential complication for City while their appeal against the independent commission’s verdict continues.
City academy could become increasingly important
City were found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges brought against them by the Premier League, but have formally lodged an appeal against those findings.
BBC Sport discusses the possibility of a transfer embargo among the potential sanctions City could face if their appeal is unsuccessful. No such restriction has been imposed, however, and the eventual sporting punishment remains unresolved.
The academy could become particularly important if City’s ability to recruit players were ultimately restricted. Equally, losing leading prospects before the final outcome is known could reduce the options available to the club further down the line.
City’s youth system is already a significant part of their wider operation. BBC Sport reported earlier this year that sales involving Elite Development Squad and other non-first-team players had generated more than £500m since 2016.
For now, the concrete development is that rivals aren’t simply watching events at the Etihad from a distance.
According to BBC Sport, some are already exploring whether City’s current uncertainty provides an opportunity to tempt away the next generation.
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