Real Madrid president closely monitoring Manchester City situation – report | OneFootball

Manchester City have found themselves in heaps of trouble, with an independent commission having found the club guilty on 114 of the 115 charges relating to alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations.

The bombshell verdict, first reported by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, threatens to cast a long shadow over City’s trophy-laden era, though sanctions are yet to be decided and the club are expected to appeal.

And the fallout could have significant ramifications across Europe, including for Real Madrid.

Real Madrid watching on

According to SPORT, Real Madrid and other European giants are keeping a close eye on City’s legal process, wary of the possibility that a severe sanction could open the door to some of their players.

Man City’s crisis could potentially open the door for Real Madrid to go after Haaland. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

The potential punishments range from a fine to a significant points deduction, with the most extreme scenarios even affecting City’s place in the Premier League.

Should the outcome seriously impact the project at the Etihad, the transfer market could suddenly present unexpected opportunities.

City’s squad contains several players Florentino Perez has admired over the years.

Erling Haaland remains the most obvious name, with Real Madrid having long been keen on the Norwegian, though his long-term contract and Real Madrid’s crowded attack make a deal look unrealistic.

Midfield targets in focus

Rayan Cherki and Josko Gvardiol were both previously on the club’s radar, though the latter recently renewed until 2031.

Perhaps more pertinent are the midfielders, an area Real Madrid have been desperate to strengthen.

Man City have multiple midfielders Mourinho could use. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

More tellingly, City signed three players this summer, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez, all of whom had been linked with Real Madrid during their search for an organising midfielder.

A major sanction could potentially force some of those players towards the exit, handing Real Madrid a chance to address a problem that has dragged on across recent windows, particularly after missing out on Rodri this summer.

For now, though, everything hinges on the punishment City ultimately receive. The process could drag on for months, if not years, given the expected appeal, and it does not necessarily mean City will sell their stars.

Nonetheless, Real Madrid will be watching developments with keen interest.