Silverware, signings and 115 charges - What 2025 holds for Man City

2025 could be one of the most important in Manchester City's history.

January will determine if they can find a replacement for Rodri or add reinforcements to their injury-hit squad, and form must improve quickly on the pitch to ensure Champions League football is played both after the League Phase this season and next season in general.

City have gone into new years outside of the top four before and won the title, so securing that target shouldn't be a concern, even if it is equally at serious risk. That is why 2025 has so much riding on it. It could have been the year Pep Guardiola left and was replaced, but the manager has committed to two more years.

There will be one high profile exit as Txiki Begiristain departs in the summer, when Hugo Viana will replace him. That transition will determine how successful City's rebuild is with some big names coming to the end of their careers.

Kevin De Bruyne is out of contract in the summer, as is Ilkay Gundogan (who does have a year option), while replacements will be needed at right-back, centre-back and midfield in coming transfer windows.

On De Bruyne, contract talks are yet to begin and both parties must decide whether the time is right to end a brilliant partnership or if it is worth continuing. Whatever decision is made, you get the sense it will be done respectfully and without fanfare.

A new midfielder would help that transition, too. The club have money to spend after another year of profit, while Champions League progress will further boost the budget.

Another lucrative money-maker will be the FIFA Club World Cup, where City head to the USA in June to defend their title. Progression from the group looks likely, with the prize for finishing top almost certainly a path