2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Manchester City. Even if they successfully defend themselves in their Financial Fair Play (FFP) case and avoid expulsion from the Premier League, they still face the potential loss of manager Pep Guardiola, who has entered the final year of his contract.
City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, a key figure in the club’s rise to dominance since 2012, has already confirmed his departure at the end of the season. With Begiristain leaving, there is widespread speculation that Guardiola could follow, especially as reports suggest he has a likely “new destination” in mind.
Replacing Begiristain will be a significant challenge, but City seem to have a plan in place, with Hugo Viana from Sporting Lisbon expected to take over. Viana’s successful recruitment strategy, which helped Sporting win the Liga Portugal title, suggests City will remain in capable hands.
Viana’s arrival also raises the possibility of some of his top Sporting signings joining him at City. Here’s a look at five potential transfers, ranked by feasibility:
### 5) **Manuel Ugarte (Manchester United)**
Ugarte, who joined Manchester United for an initial £42m, has had a rough start, often warming the bench behind Casemiro. Although rumors suggest Ugarte is “unhappy” and could leave early, it’s premature to expect him to depart so soon. City, however, are unlikely to pursue a player from their rivals, particularly given their dominance over United in recent years.
### 4) **Pedro Goncalves (Sporting Lisbon)**
Once compared to Bruno Fernandes, Goncalves has emerged as a versatile midfielder, excelling for Sporting this season with five goals and five assists in seven appearances. Despite his talent, City may not pursue Goncalves given their current depth in wide positions. Arsenal and Tottenham, who were linked with him last year, could be more likely destinations.
### 3) **Ousmane Diomande (Sporting Lisbon)**
Guardiola’s admiration for center-backs is well known, and Diomande could be on City’s radar. The 20-year-old, signed by Viana for £10m from Midtjylland, has developed rapidly and is now valued at over £65m. City might face competition from other Premier League clubs, but Diomande’s defensive talents could make him a solid option for Guardiola’s system.
### 2) **Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting Lisbon)**
Gyokeres, who has outscored the likes of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé this season, has proven to be an exceptional bargain for Sporting at £15m. With 55 goals in 61 games, he’s attracting attention from top clubs, and City could view him as a potential long-term replacement for Haaland. If Haaland eventually moves on, Gyokeres could be high on City’s transfer list.
### 1) **Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur)**
City made a rare misstep when they let Pedro Porro leave in 2022. After excelling at Sporting, Porro joined Tottenham, where his performances have made him a standout right-back. With City looking for a future replacement for Kyle Walker, Porro seems like an inevitable signing for the club in the next year or two.
As 2025 approaches, Manchester City will be navigating not only the potential exit of key figures like Guardiola and Begiristain but also the opportunity to reinforce their squad under the guidance of Hugo Viana.
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