Legal Expert Explains How Erling Haaland and Man City Stars Could Leave Free After Guilty Verdict
Following the Premier League's verdict against Manchester City for financial misconduct, questions arise about the future of some of their top players. Legal experts suggest stars like Erling Haaland might have the right to leave the club without transfer fees.
Verdict and Its Impact on Contracts
The Premier League found Manchester City guilty of breaching 114 out of 115 charges, mainly due to fake contracts with commercial partners from 2009 to 2018. This ruling raises doubts about how long key players will stay, especially since the club plans to appeal the decision but still faces uncertainty.
Employment Law Could Allow Players to Exit
On the Stick to Football podcast, barrister Paul Gilroy KC explained how employment law might let players walk away. He said every employment contract has an implied term of trust and confidence, even if it's not written down.
"If you don't trust me or I don't trust you, that relationship can't work. A player could argue that their employer breached this trust and therefore they can tear up their contract and leave," Gilroy stated.
Rival Clubs React to the Possibility
The idea of signing elite players without paying huge fees sparked playful comments during the podcast. Jamie Carragher joked about whether Liverpool could sign Haaland for free next week, to which Gilroy replied, "Yeah, why not?" Meanwhile, Ian Wright teased the possibility of Haaland moving to Arsenal, mentioning friendships as a factor.
Upcoming Appeal and Future Uncertainty
Manchester City must file an appeal by Friday to challenge the ruling. The result of this process will influence any penalties and the fate of player contracts. Coach Enzo Maresca and his team must focus on football amid this off-field chaos. Until the appeal concludes, the threat of players ending contracts remains a cloud over the club.
- Date: 11 Oct 2026
- Match: Liverpool vs Manchester City
- Time: 18:30
