Erling Haaland and Man City Stars Could Leave for Free After Guilty Verdict, Legal Expert Says

The Premier League’s recent guilty verdict against Manchester City has stirred speculation that key players, including Erling Haaland, might leave the club without a transfer fee. A top legal expert explained how this could become possible under employment law.

Guilty Verdict Raises Contract Uncertainty

An independent commission found Manchester City guilty of 114 out of 115 charges related to financial misconduct, including sham contracts with commercial partners between 2009 and 2018. This verdict has created doubts about the future of their star players amid ongoing appeals and denial of wrongdoing by the club.

This situation has sparked discussions about whether players can use employment rights to terminate their contracts early and move on as free agents.

Legal Insight from Sports Barrister Paul Gilroy KC

On the Stick to Football podcast, barrister Paul Gilroy KC explained the legal side for City’s squad when asked by Arsenal legend Ian Wright about players’ rights in this scenario.

"Definitely, yes, good question, that, on the players perspective," Gilroy said. "Every contract of employment, whether it’s a footballer or someone who works in a shop, has got an implied term in it. In other words, 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.’"

Rival Clubs Eye Possible Free Transfers

The notion that City’s players might depart without transfer fees led to lighthearted comments among podcast hosts. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher joked about signing Haaland for free, to which Gilroy replied simply, "Yeah, why not?"

Ian Wright also teased that Haaland might prefer a move to Arsenal, citing friendships at the North London club. While humorous, these remarks highlight how the transfer market could be shaken if City’s players legally void their contracts.

Appeal Looms as Club Faces Deadline

Manchester City have until Friday to file an appeal against the commission’s ruling. The outcome will decide what sporting penalties follow and whether players’ contracts remain stable.

For manager Enzo Maresca and the squad, focus remains on their matches despite the off-field turmoil. Until the appeal is resolved, the threat of contract cancellations will continue to hover over the club.

• Premier League Match: Liverpool vs Manchester City
• Date: 11 October 2026
• Time: 18:30