The year 2025 may be crucial for Manchester City. January will be critical in deciding whether they can secure a substitute for Rodri or bolster their injury-plagued team. Additionally, they need to quickly improve their performance on the field to guarantee participation in the Champions League both after this season’s League Phase and for the next season overall. City has previously entered the new year outside the top four and still managed to win the title, so while reaching that goal is important, it is also under significant threat. This is why 2025 is so consequential. Although it seemed that Pep Guardiola might leave and be replaced, he has agreed to stay for another two years. However, there will be a notable departure as Txiki Begiristain will leave in the summer, with Hugo Viana set to take his place. The process of transition will be crucial in measuring the success of City’s rebuild, especially with several prominent players nearing the end of their careers. Kevin De Bruyne’s contract expires this summer, as does Ilkay Gundogan’s (although he has an option for another year), and additions will be necessary for right-back, center-back, and midfield in upcoming transfer windows. Regarding De Bruyne, discussions about a new contract have not started, and both sides need to determine whether it’s time to conclude a remarkable partnership or if they should continue it. No matter what choice is made, it feels like it will be carried out with respect and minimal publicity. Adding a new midfielder would also aid in this change. The club has funds available after another profitable year, and advancing in the Champions League will increase the budget further. Additionally, they will have another significant revenue opportunity with the FIFA Club World Cup, where City will travel to the USA in June to defend their title. Advancing from the group seems probable, as finishing first likely offers a route to the final that bypasses Real Madrid. City may believe they can’t win the Premier League, and it seems that way. The FA Cup and Club World Cup are not included, yet theoretically, City could finish 2025 with five trophies in addition to the Premier League, although that seems improbable. Therefore, City aims for another year of expanding their trophy collection, defending their World Champion title, and addressing the aging players in key roles. While it’s not a quick solution, initiating the process is essential. Ultimately, this points to why 2025 is expected to be a significant year.
