Stefan Borson: Man City transfer ban 'excessive' on top of 50-point deduction

Former City adviser Borson argues a transfer ban would be excessive punishment on top of a 40-50 point deduction, as relegated clubs need to sell players and reduce wages.

Stefan Borson, Manchester City's former financial adviser, has told Football Insider that imposing a transfer ban alongside a significant points deduction would constitute excessive punishment for the club.

City faces 114 finance-related charges from the Premier League, with speculation suggesting a guilty verdict could result in a single-season points deduction of 40 to 50 points. Borson argues that if such a deduction leads to relegation, adding a transfer ban would be counterproductive and unfair.

"If City were to be relegated, I don't think you could have a scenario where a penalty is imposed that causes a wholesale of footballers, but they're not allowed to purchase any," Borson said. "That would seem to me to be excessive. Because clearly, if you get relegated, you're going to need to reduce the wage bill. If you need to reduce the wage bill, you need to sell players. With a transfer ban, they wouldn't be able to bring any players in and be forced to use youth players."

The uncertainty surrounding potential sanctions is already affecting the club, with concerns that key players including Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki, Jeremy Doku and others could seek moves elsewhere. Arsenal and Real Madrid have reportedly already contacted Haaland's representatives.