Manchester City’s dilemma

Manchester City FC face a dilemma over the so-called ‘fringe players’ they cannot fit into their 25-man squad.   They are all quality players and City do not want to let them go on free transfers.   If they go out on loan, the problem of their high wages is a barrier to a deal, but City are reluctant to offer subsidies.

Manchester City FC face a dilemma over the so-called ‘fringe players’ they cannot fit into their 25-man squad.   They are all quality players and City do not want to let them go on free transfers.   If they go out on loan, the problem of their high wages is a barrier to a deal, but City are reluctant to offer subsidies.


For example, Abedayor is on £185,000 a week, Craig Bellamy is thought to be on £90-95,000 a week and Wayne Bridge on £92,000 a week.   The total drain on the wage bill for players who are not needed is £550,000 a week, although £300,000 a week has been saved through departures that have already taken place.


In the year to 31 May 2010 City’s wage bill was £133.3m, second only to Chelsea’ £172.5m.   It is thought that the football club’s next accounts due to October will show a wage bill in excess of £150m.   Given increasing pressure from the financial fair play rules, City need to bring their wage bill under control and they may reluctantly have to subsidise the wages of players out on loan.