Mass Man City Exodus?: Potential Landing Spots For Star Players

With Manchester City charged and a big punishment on the horizon, the big stars for City could look for a quick escape route away from all the drama and possibly lower league football.

Juventus are a massive club who was famously relegated, and many of the star players stayed at the club through the hardship. I am sure some City players will do the same, but this is a purely hypothetical at this point in time.

With that out of the way, here's where City's big stars could find themselves should City get relegated, not including their new signings because they seem to be in their own category where what happens to them is hard to know.

Gianluigi Donnarumma — Napoli

A return to Italy could make sense for Donnarumma, with Napoli offering the chance to become the undisputed No.1 at one of the country's biggest clubs. His experience at the highest level would also make him a natural fit for a side competing for Serie A and Champions League honours. He also grew up in the Naples area.

Marc Guehi — Chelsea

A return to Stamford Bridge would bring Guehi back to the club where he came through the academy. Chelsea could offer him a leading role in their defence as it still sucks, while his Premier League experience and ability to play out from the back would fit naturally into their squad.

Ruben Dias — Benfica

Dias returning to Benfica would have obvious sentimental and footballing appeal. He developed at the Portuguese club before moving to City, and a homecoming would give Benfica an experienced leader capable of anchoring their defence and helping younger players develop. At his age and considering the circumstances I envision him only leaving for his former side.

Josko Gvardiol — Bayern Munich

Bayern could see Gvardiol as an ideal long-term defensive option given his versatility and experience at the highest level. His ability to play centre-back or left-back would also provide Bayern with flexibility across the back line. His experience with Leipzig in the Bundesliga and being a left footer makes him a good fit.

Antoine Semenyo — Borussia Dortmund

Dortmund's reputation for developing attacking talent could make Germany an attractive destination for Semenyo. His pace, physicality, two-foot ability, and versatility across the front line would suit Dortmund's high-intensity style while giving him another major European platform.

Rayan Cherki — PSG

A move to PSG would represent a return to France for Cherki and potentially an opportunity to become one of the club's key creative players. His technical ability, close control and creativity could make him particularly dangerous in a team expected to dominate possession. Cherki would be on so many top sides shortlists should he want to exit City.

Phil Foden — Stays

Foden staying would arguably be the simplest outcome. Having spent his entire senior career at City, he is one of the faces of the club and could choose to remain at the Etihad even if the squad around him changes. His versatility would make him central to any rebuild.

Erling Haaland — Arsenal

Haaland joining Arsenal would be one of the most dramatic possibilities and has been rumoured in the media this week. Arsenal have spent years searching for a consistent elite goalscorer, and Haaland would provide exactly that while remaining in the Premier League and joining a club with ambitions of challenging for major honours. Gabriel x Haaland now on the same team would be a movie.

Nico O'Reilly — Stays

O'Reilly could remain at City as part of the club's next generation. His emergence through the academy and ability to operate in multiple positions make him the type of young player a rebuilding City would have a strong incentive to retain.

Jeremy Doku — Juventus

Juventus could offer Doku the opportunity to become one of the main attacking outlets at one of Europe's biggest clubs. His explosive acceleration and one-on-one ability would give Serie A's traditionally structured defences a very different problem to deal with, and fits the current style of Juventus's forward line.

Abdukodir Khusanov — Inter Milan

Inter could be an excellent tactical destination for Khusanov. His physicality, pace and defensive aggression could suit a three-at-the-back system, while working under an experienced defensive structure could further develop his game.

Matheus Nunes — Liverpool

Liverpool could see Nunes as a useful option because of his ability to cover multiple midfield roles as well as at fullback where they need someone good ASAP. His athleticism and ability to carry the ball would suit a high-intensity midfield, while his Premier League experience would mean he could adapt quickly.