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What happens next for Manchester City as their stumbling season takes a turn for the worse?


Manchester City are out of the Champions League after losing to Real Madrid on Wednesday. The PA news agency looks at where they're going next.

What are their goals for the rest of the season?

With City's hopes of winning a fifth consecutive Premier League title seemingly dashed, the focus will shift to qualifying for the Champions League next season. There is a chance that fifth place will suffice this season, and there is still the FA Cup to play for, but finishing in the top four, with its rock-solid guarantee, will be Pep Guardiola's first priority.

How much will it cost them?

City has earned approximately £63.5 million from their Champions League participation this season, but their elimination has cost them the opportunity to earn an additional £20.5 million in prize money, as well as an additional share of broadcast revenue and potential matchday income. A large portion of this can be offset this year by their participation in the lucrative Club World Cup. Their participation in the expanded 32-team tournament will earn them around £41 million, and winning it could bring in twice that amount.

How important is the Club World Cup?

As previously stated, the financial rewards are undeniable, with organizers FIFA seemingly determined to include the quadrennial tournament, which runs from mid-June to mid-July, on the calendar. Guardiola has recently begun to promote the competition. "It is important for the club, both financially and in terms of prestige," he said last week, adding that he may prioritize it ahead of the start of the 2025-26 domestic season.

Could this be a busy summer for City?

Yes, in addition to competing in the Club World Cup, major changes to the squad are expected. The rebuilding process began in January with the arrivals of Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, and Nico Gonzalez, and is expected to continue. City are heavily linked with Juventus fullback Andrea Cambiaso and Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz. In terms of outgoings, Kyle Walker's departure is likely to be permanent, and Kevin De Bruyne, who is out of contract, appears increasingly likely to leave. The fitness issues of John Stones, Nathan Ake, Ruben Dias, and Manuel Akanji this season may necessitate additional defensive reinforcements.

What about those 115 charges?

The allegations against the club regarding financial irregularities continue to cast a pall over everything at the Etihad Stadium. Regardless of their struggles on the field, there is a strong case to be made that their most important battle is still off the field. A decision on 115 alleged breaches of Premier League regulations is expected before the end of the season. If the club is found guilty, the punishments range from fines to relegation, which could have serious consequences for their future. The City has denied any wrongdoing.
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