'Some players want medals, all players want money'
- Published
So much has been said about Manchester City since it was revealed they had been found guilty of the majority of the 115 Premier League charges levelled at them, but so far there has been little focus on what it means for their current squad.
Without definitive clarity on what sanctions the Premier League will impose, pending the appeal Manchester City have lodged, there is uncertainty over their ability to retain players, renew contracts and make transfers.
Put simply: will players want to join and will the current players want to stay?
The general train of thought is that any drop down the leagues will result in a mass exodus and that players will consider their futures at Etihad Stadium, at the very least.
The reaction from current members of the Manchester City squad varies depending on who you speak to. Sources close to the first team have told BBC Sport that there is certainly a significant level of concern as to how they will be affected.
For those players who decide they don't want to drop down the divisions, should it come to that, the process of leaving is unlikely to be straightforward.
Given how much their players are worth, in terms of wages and general value in the market, you would imagine the club are unlikely to accept being undercut.
BBC Sport also understands that the majority of the players do not have relegation clauses in their current contracts, which also plays into the club's hands.
It is also understood that the players' contracts are fully guaranteed, meaning they would not be required to take percentage pay cuts if the club loses its top-flight status, but maintaining one of the highest wage bills in the world will become harder without Premier League-level income.
Parachute money could ease those concerns, but there are no guarantees the club would be entitled to those payments if they are demoted.
However, it is unlikely Manchester City will roll over and let disillusioned players depart without suitable offers because, ultimately, they can ride the storm financially.
They are also big payers and other clubs may not be as willing to meet similar wage demands. One agent told BBC Sport: "Some players want medals, all players want money."
Any deals that include exit strategies, if the club fall out of the Premier League, would have to be negotiated as new contracts as well - but a number of agents, who spoke to BBC Sport, believe the players will be advised to wait for clarity on the punishments before even considering opening talks.
It is also important to note that Manchester City's potential challenges with player contracts come at the same time as Fifa's plans to introduce new rules that state every deal signed on 1 January 2027 or after must include a release clause.