Man City warned transfer targets could ‘think twice’ about joining as Jamie Carragher highlights unprecedented challenges facing Pep Guardiola

In a recent courtroom victory, City successfully challenged some aspects of the Premier League’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations with a panel of senior judges, including a former Master of the Rolls, determining that the Premier League’s "Associated Party Transactions" rules unfairly restricted City’s ability to finalise two significant sponsorship agreements. Despite this favourable ruling, the 115 financial charges still loom large over the club, leaving its future uncertain as many eagerly await the complete findings of the independent commission.

Pep Guardiola is grappling with several injuries, including that of Ballon d'Or winner Rodri, who has been a pivotal figure in midfield. While there have been speculations suggesting Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi is a potential target for the January transfer window, Carragher believes City’s unresolved charges could deter high-profile players like the Spaniard from signing with the club until the legal verdict is out.

In his column with The Telegraph, Carragher wrote: "Any player approached by City between now and the end of the season will want to wait for the outcome of the case into the 115 charges. Nobody knows if there will be significant sporting sanctions against the club. Until that has been resolved, a wise agent will tell his client to let the process take its course before putting pen to paper, especially if they have alternative options."

Carragher also pointed to uncertainties surrounding City’s leadership structure. Guardiola has yet to confirm his commitment beyond the current season, a factor that could also play into potential signings’ decision-making. Moreover, the club is entering a period of transition with the director of football Txiki Begiristain’s imminent departure, set to be succeeded by Hugo Viana.

"Guardiola has not pledged to stay beyond this season yet, and there is already a transitional period at the top of the club with director of football Txiki Begiristain leaving," he wrote.

"Is Guardiola waiting for the verdict too? And is Begiristain doing the next big deals, or is his incoming replacement Hugo Viana already working on a list of targets? No matter the stature of the club or how solid its foundations, a shadow will hang over it until the independent commission reaches its decisions – and it might drag on for a while if a guilty verdict and punishment leads to a lengthy appeal process."

As City await the final verdict, Carragher’s concerns highlight the precarious position in which the club finds itself. The combination of an unresolved legal situation and internal restructuring means that City face an uncertain road ahead. However, if they are proven innocent, it could clear the path to move forward unencumbered.