Manchester City's Player Transfer Values Decline Amid Performance Issues and Financial Constraints

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The CIES Football Observatory's 2025 Transfer Values report highlights a notable decline in the transfer values of Manchester City players. This decline is attributed to several factors, including the team's recent performance issues and financial constraints.

Performance Issues: Manchester City has faced significant challenges this season, particularly since the injury to key player Rodri in September 2024. His absence has led to a noticeable drop in the team's defensive stability and overall performance. The team, which was top of the league before Rodri's injury, has since slipped to seventh place, conceding 20 goals in the top flight during this period. This decline in form has naturally impacted the perceived market value of the players.
Financial Constraints: Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations and the high cost of players in 2025 have put additional pressure on Manchester City. The club is currently facing an ongoing legal battle involving 115 charges of alleged financial irregularities, which further complicates their ability to make significant transfers. These financial constraints mean that the club must be cautious and strategic in its spending, potentially limiting their ability to sign high-value players.
Player Valuations: The CIES report reflects these challenges by showing a decline in the transfer values of Manchester City players. For instance, while Erling Haaland remains one of the most valuable players at the club with a transfer value of €221 million, other players may not command such high fees due to the team's recent struggles and financial situation.
Contract Expirations: Several key players, including Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gündogan, and Scott Carson, have contracts expiring in 2025. This adds another layer of complexity as the club must decide whether to extend these contracts or risk losing valuable players for free.

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In summary, the decline in Manchester City's player transfer values as per the CIES 2025 report is a result of the team's recent performance issues, financial constraints, and the expiration of key player contracts. These factors collectively impact the market perception and valuation of Manchester City's players.

Manchester City's Player Transfer Values Decline Amid Performance Issues and Financial Constraints

Preview

Performance Issues: Manchester City has faced significant challenges this season, particularly since the injury to key player Rodri in September 2024. His absence has led to a noticeable drop in the team's defensive stability and overall performance. The team, which was top of the league before Rodri's injury, has since slipped to seventh place, conceding 20 goals in the top flight during this period. This decline in form has naturally impacted the perceived market value of the players.
Financial Constraints: Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations and the high cost of players in 2025 have put additional pressure on Manchester City. The club is currently facing an ongoing legal battle involving 115 charges of alleged financial irregularities, which further complicates their ability to make significant transfers. These financial constraints mean that the club must be cautious and strategic in its spending, potentially limiting their ability to sign high-value players.
Player Valuations: The CIES report reflects these challenges by showing a decline in the transfer values of Manchester City players. For instance, while Erling Haaland remains one of the most valuable players at the club with a transfer value of €221 million, other players may not command such high fees due to the team's recent struggles and financial situation.
Contract Expirations: Several key players, including Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gündogan, and Scott Carson, have contracts expiring in 2025. This adds another layer of complexity as the club must decide whether to extend these contracts or risk losing valuable players for free.

Preview