END OF AN ERA: Man City Star Bids Tearful Farewell After 8 Years at Etihad
Manchester City kick off January brimming with confidence as they look to ensure 2026 surpasses 2025. The Blues have positioned themselves excellently to achieve this ambition, riding high on an impressive eight-game winning streak that has seen them apply mounting pressure on Premier League table-toppers Arsenal in what’s shaping up to be a fierce title battle.
Nevertheless, as they prepare for tonight’s Premier League encounter with Sunderland, the Blues understand the crucial importance of securing all three points to narrow the deficit to just two points. Suffering a loss to the Black Cats would significantly ease the burden on Arsenal and would represent the worst possible beginning to 2026 for Guardiola’s men.
Yet New Year’s Day also signals the opening of the January transfer window, and there are several potential disaster scenarios that could unfold throughout the month that would severely undermine Pep Guardiola’s long-term plans. With this consideration in mind, MEN Sport has examined what a catastrophic January might entail for Manchester City.
**Bernardo agrees to pre-contract deal**
Similar to the situation when Ilkay Gundogan departed the first time around, the opening weeks of 2026 could become consumed by speculation surrounding Bernardo Silva’s future. Survey any City supporter and you’d struggle to find even one who would willingly accept the 31-year-old’s departure.
The reality is that January’s arrival means the midfielder is now eligible to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with any foreign club, which would formally seal the Portuguese playmaker’s exit from the Etihad.
**Phillips remains at the club**
Regrettably for Kalvin Phillips, his 2022 switch to City has turned out to be a significant misstep in his professional trajectory. Despite the financial rewards being substantial and collecting two Premier League titles along with the Champions League trophy, he has been limited to a mere 32 appearances for the Blues throughout his time at the club.
Retaining Phillips past January would constitute a catastrophe for both the organization and the player himself. A new year presents the ideal opportunity for a clean break and fresh beginning for everyone concerned. Prolonging his stay would merely postpone what has become unavoidable, pushing the resolution down the road rather than addressing it decisively now.
