It will be interesting to witness the aftermath of the verdict that emerges from Manchester City’s ongoing hearing about their 115 financial charges.
If City are deemed innocent, how the club proceed will be intriguing to see unfold.
However, if Pep Guardiola’s side are found guilty, whether some of their key players as well as their legendary manager decide to continue to stay at the club will also make for notable developments.
Naturally, other clubs around Europe will keep a close eye on how the case develops.
Aymeric Laporte shed light on City’s 115 charges by revealing that CEO Ferran Soriano and sporting director Txiki Begiristain informed him and the rest of his former teammates that the club was innocent when they were charged in February last year.
As a result, the Sky Blues are perhaps not even considering how to move forward in case they are found guilty as they are seemingly confident that they will emerge triumphant and clear their name.
But it is difficult to predict how the hearing around City’s 115 charges pans out.
- Man City 115 charges explained: Date of hearing, possible punishments and what Pep Guardiola has said
Real Madrid eyeing Man City 115 charges case to sign their superstar
In case Manchester City are found guilty, one player they would fear losing is Rodri.
The 28-year-old has a case for being the club’s outright best player nowadays.
Last month, it was reported that Real Madrid are interested in signing Rodri — a prospect that could mean City are keen on offering him a contract extension beyond 2027 that makes him the highest-paid player at the club alongside Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland.
In September, it was claimed Carlo Ancelotti personally wishes to bring Rodri to the Spanish capital next year.
The Athletic have revealed that the Spanish international is happy with life at the Etihad Stadium — with the English giants being “hopeful” that he will extend his contract.
Manchester City believe that unlike in Leroy Sane’s case where he rejected a new contract with one year left on his deal to join Bayern Munich, a similar situation will not occur as they have kickstarted efforts to tie Rodri down to the club on a long-term basis.
However, the idea of returning to his hometown, Madrid appeals to the midfield maestro as well — with Los Blancos waiting to see the outcome of City’s much-publicised legal case.
The reason why this is the case is because Real Madrid are aware of the wages Manchester City are willing to offer Rodri and have no intention to match the figure.
Nor do the Spanish giants feel that they could afford to pay the transfer fee that would open the door for City to sell the £62.5 million man — despite being able to provide “sun and family” — aspects he lacks in Manchester.
As a result, Real Madrid feel that their chances of signing Rodri will increase if City are deemed guilty and in such an instance, they could make a move for him.
Man City will be hoping they win 115 charges case and keep Rodri
If Manchester City are found guilty, the probability of their talisman in the middle of the park exploring the chance to sign for another elite club in Europe naturally increases.
With that being the case, the Premier League winners will be hoping that they win the case and keep Rodri for the long run.
Real Madrid seem like they will continue to lurk as they have their sights set on the Euro 2024 winner.
With Rodri also being born and bred in Madrid alongside the stature of the club, City would perhaps not like to test their chances in terms of keeping him.
Any predictions can only be made after the verdict emerges.
It goes without saying that if Real Madrid sign Rodri, regardless of the final judgement, Manchester City will significantly strengthen one of their European rivals.
