Legal Expert Suggests Erling Haaland and Man City Stars Could Exit for Free After Guilty Verdict

The recent ruling against Manchester City in their financial dispute with the Premier League has sparked talk about possible exits of key players, including Erling Haaland. A top legal expert has indicated these stars might be able to leave the club without any transfer fees.

Guilty Verdict Raises Contract Uncertainty

Manchester City was found guilty of 114 out of 115 charges by an independent commission, mostly related to fake contracts with commercial partners from 2009 to 2018. This verdict has thrown the futures of their top players into question. Although the club denies wrongdoing and plans to appeal, the situation has created unusual legal possibilities.

One such possibility is that some players could use employment law to terminate their contracts early without penalties.

Legal Insight on Player Contracts

On the Stick to Football podcast, sports barrister Paul Gilroy KC explained the legal background behind this scenario. When asked by Arsenal legend Ian Wright if players unaware of the club’s boardroom issues could leave, Gilroy said:

"Definitely, yes, good question, that, on the players perspective. Every contract of employment, whether it’s a footballer or someone who works in a shop, has got an implied term in it. It’s not written down. And the implied term we’re talking about here is the term of trust and confidence.So if I work for you, you and I must have sufficient trust and confidence in each other to enable that relationship to work. If you don’t trust me, or I don’t trust you, or if you call me a liar and a thief on Tuesday, I can’t work for you on a Wednesday - trust and confidence.Now, a player could say ‘You have breached the implied term of trust and confidence. You are my employer, you have acted in breach of that term, and that entitles me to say I’m ripping up my contract and I’m walking out.’"

Other Clubs Eagerly Watching

This potential loophole caused lighthearted reactions among the podcast hosts. Jamie Carragher joked whether Liverpool could sign Haaland without paying a fee next week. Gilroy replied simply, "Yeah, why not?" Wright teased that Haaland might want to join Arsenal because of friends there.

While meant in jest, these remarks underline how the football transfer market could shift dramatically if City players are legally allowed to cancel their contracts.

City's Upcoming Appeal and Team Focus

All eyes now turn to Manchester City's appeal deadline on Friday. The club’s challenge will determine if any sporting sanctions follow and how harsh they might be.

Meanwhile, manager Enzo Maresca and his squad need to concentrate on their matches amid off-field turmoil. Until the appeal concludes, the chance of contract cancellations will hang over the team.

• Premier League Match: Liverpool vs Manchester City
• Date: 11 October 2026
• Kick-off: 18:30