Man City face 'abnormal' summer transfer window as Abu Dhabi 'backers' hit by events - expert

Manchester City could face a financial hit from their Abu Dhabi ownership amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who wonders whether the conflict could have an effect on the Premier League’s summer transfer window.

Saudi Arabia’s financial power has prized stars over to the country in recent years, with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah expected to be their next major asset to replace Cristiano Ronaldo.

Sheikh Mansour – who owns the Abu Dhabi United Group – has invested heavily in Man City since purchasing it in 2008, whilst Newcastle are currently owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

Summer transfer window could be a ‘little different than normal’

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes Saudi Arabia may not still be able to be a “major buyer of talent” if political tensions continue in the Middle East.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness thinks Man City could be one club affected.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “You’ve got to look at the world events at the moment. If that has got a long-term effect, then will the Saudi Premier League still be a major buyer of talent?

“You know, all those sorts of things. You know, will Man City still get back the same amount from Abu Dhabi? Look, you know, we all hope it’s a short-term issue, but if it does end up long-term, those are the sort of factors that may influence the transfer window this summer. 

“So let’s just wait and see how that all pans out. These are some of the factors that may make this summer market a little bit different than normal.”  

Man City target Tottenham star

Sources have told Football Insider that Man City have Destiny Udogie lined up for a summer deal amid Tottenham’s struggles on the pitch.

Udogie could help strengthen Pep Guardiola’s options in the full-back positions, with Newcastle’s Tino Livramento also a target.

The 23-year-old’s campaign has been hampered by injuries, making just eight Premier League starts for Spurs this season.

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