Many believe that Manchester City will be the team to beat once again when the Premier League season begins this weekend.
The four-time champions are in a league of their own in English football, and manager Pep Guardiola will aim for City to maintain the stupendous standards they have set over recent seasons.
Arsenal have challenged City all the way over the past two campaigns but Guardiola's team held on for the title. It looks like the two will slug it out this time as well and City can't afford any slip ups.
Guardiola has also hinted at that his time at City may be nearing its end with his contract expiring at the end of the season. How long he will be around at the Etihad Stadium will have an impact on the fortunes of the champions.
City go into the new season with something of a cloud hanging over the club.
The future of star playmaker Kevin de Bruyne, whose contract also ends next year and who has made it known he is open to the idea of a move to the Saudi Pro League.
But the biggest factor could be away from the pitch. City are facing an unprecedented 115 charges for allegedly breaking the Premier League's financial rules. The long-awaited hearing could begin as early as next month. If found guilty, City face the possibility of points deduction and even relegation. City deny all charges.
All that is beyond the control of the team, so the players can only focus on the task at hand – the season opener against Chelsea on Sunday.
City did enjoy a morale boosting start to the 2024/25 campaign, edging a thriller in the Community Shield. Defender Manuel Akanji scored a penalty shoot-out winner against Manchester United to give Guardiola's side their first silverware of the campaign.
Whichever way the season pans out, it promises to be an unforgettable one. For now, City will be hoping their expensively assembled group of stars continue from where they left off last season.
Below is the list of the highest earning members of the Manchester City squad for 2024/25. Data collected through capology.com and spotrac.com
Highest earning players of Manchester City for 2024-25
1. Kevin de Bruyne - £400,000 per week
2. Erling Haaland - £375,000 per week
=3. Jack Grealish - £300,000 per week
3. Bernardo Silva - £300,000 per week
=5. Joao Cancelo - £250,000 per week
5. John Stones - £250,000 per week
7. Phil Foden - £225,000 per week
8. Rodri - £220,000 per week
9. Josko Gvardiol - £200,000 per week
=10. Manuel Akanji - £180,000 per week
10. Ruben Dias - £180,000 per week
12. Kyle Walker - £175,000 per week
13. Nathan Ake - £160,000 per week
14. Mateo Kovacic - £150,000 per week
15. Matheus Nunes - £130,000 per week
16. Ederson - £100,000 per week
17. Stefan Ortega - £90,000 per week
= 18. Oscar Bobb - £50,000 per week
18. Jeremy Doku - £50,000 per week
=20. Scott Carson - £30,000 per week
20. Maximo Perrone - £30,000 per week
22. Rico Lewis - £25,000 per week
23. Issa Kabore - £20,000 per week
25. James McAtee - £15,000 per week
