So much has been said about Manchester City since it was revealed they had been found guilty of the majority of the 115 Premier League charges levelled at them. On Tuesday, it was confirmed that an independent commission found City guilty of all charges relating to breaches of the league's financial regulations between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons. The club has repeatedly denied guilt.
Their potential punishment has been debated, the future of the owners questioned and the feelings of the rest of the league - and wider football world - have been aired. But so far there has been little focus on what it means for one crucial group. Without definitive clarity on what sanctions the Premier League will impose, pending City's inevitable appeal, which must be lodged by Friday, there is uncertainty over their ability to retain players, renew contracts, and make transfers - and whether any of the team have release clauses.
Put simply, will players want to join? Will current players want to stay? BBC Sport has spoken to a number of sources in an attempt to understand how the recent judgement will impact City's dealings in the transfer market and how existing players may approach their futures with the prospect of losing Premier League status hanging over the club.
Man City verdict has 'implications on game's integrity' - FA Criminal investigation? The key Man City questions The general train of thought is that any drop down the leagues for City will result in a mass exodus. That players will, at the very least, consider their futures at Etihad Stadium in the event of demotion would be understandable.
The squad is brimming with international talent, many of whose profiles and personal sponsorship agreements benefit from plying their trade in the Premier League. The reaction from current members of the City squad varies depending on who you speak to. From the conversations BBC Sport have had with sources close to the first team, there is certainly a significant level of concern as to how they will be affected.
Given the scathing tone of the Premier League's statement on Tuesday, there is major scepticism from people close to the players that the forthcoming appeals will earn the club any reprieve. But there are others who absolutely believe in City executives Khaldoon Al Mubarak and Ferran Soriano's vows to prove the club's innocence. For those players who decide they don't want to drop down the divisions, should it come to that, the process of leaving is unlikely to be straightforward.
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