Pep Guardiola has rejected suggestions that Manchester City’s heavy spending in the January transfer window was a precaution against a potential transfer ban.
City invested around £170 million on Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, and Nico Gonzalez before the deadline, bolstering a squad that has struggled to keep pace in the Premier League and barely secured a Champions League play-off spot.
With City facing 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations, speculation has mounted over possible sanctions, including a transfer embargo, fines, points deductions, or even relegation.
Guardiola confirmed that a verdict on the case is expected in the coming weeks but dismissed the notion that recent signings were made in anticipation of a ban.
He also defended City’s spending, arguing that their net expenditure is lower than several of their rivals.
“In the last five years, we are the last team in the top six for net spend,” Guardiola stated. “Even after this transfer window, we are behind Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham, and even Liverpool.
“We have sold a lot in recent seasons, but people still say it’s ‘just about the money.’ Every club can do what they want, and we’ll see the outcome of the case soon.”
City will shift their focus back to the pitch when they face Leyton Orient in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday.
