Manchester City will already be keeping one eye on the summer transfer window of 2025, especially with sporting director Hugo Viana set to replace Txiki Begiristain.
All eyes will be on Viana to assess the strategy he takes to put Manchester City in the best possible position as he takes charge of their summer business.
Pep Guardiola’s men will be looking to strengthen their ranks, regardless of how the 2024/2025 pans out for them.
As things stand, Liverpool look like the favourites over City to become the Premier League champions.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 11 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 21 | 6 | 15 | 28 |
| 2 |  Man CityManchester City | 11 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 22 | 13 | 9 | 23 |
| 3 |  ChelseaChelsea | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 21 | 13 | 8 | 19 |
| 4 |  ArsenalArsenal | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 18 | 12 | 6 | 19 |
| 5 |  Nottm ForestNottingham Forest | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 19 |
| 6 |  BrightonBrighton | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 19 | 15 | 4 | 19 |
When it comes to the Champions League, the Sky Blues are in 10th place and it is too early to name any side in the competition as favourites.
A transfer story that was a bolt from the blue was when Sepp van den Berg was linked with City last Tuesday.
Man City transfer news: Sepp van den Berg’s brother targeted
It was also claimed that Pep Guardiola has been an admirer of the Dutchman since he was on loan at Preston North End from Liverpool in 2021.
The former Reds defender departed Anfield in favour of a £20 million (Sky Sports) move to Brentford this summer.
Interestingly, transfer expert Graeme Bailey revealed that Middlesborough defender Middlesbrough defender Rav van den Berg, 20 has caught Manchester City’s eye instead of his brother.
“I’d be staggered if City were looking at him to be honest. He’s been okay at Brentford without standing out. To be honest, I’ve heard they’d be more interested in his brother Rav, who’s at Middlesbrough, who’s actually a brighter prospect, he’s more City’s cup of tea.”
“He’s tall, he can play full-back, a right-hand version of [Josko] Gvardiol in many ways. I’ve heard City are one of the clubs to have looked at him. He’s a tremendous prospect and I’d be surprised if they did go for Sepp, I think it’s more likely they’d go for the younger brother Rav at Middlesbrough.”
Man City target Rav van den Berg stats
The youngster is capable of playing both as a centre-back and a right-back.
However, it is in the heart of Boro’s defence where he plays his natural position. Last season, the Netherlands U-21 international started 33 games in the Championship.
Here are Van Den Berg’s statistics over the past 365 days.
| VAN DEN BERG STATS PER 90 OVER PAST 365 DAYS | |
| TACKLES | 1.24 |
| BLOCKS | 0.88 |
| CLEARANCES | 3.84 |
| AERIAL DUELS | 2.31 |
| PASS COMPLETION % | 95% |
| PASSES ATTEMPTED | 61.37 |
Considering Manchester City’s penchant for signing young players, perhaps they could be assessing whether Van den Berg fits the bill for their side.
On Tuesday, it was reported that Manchester City are interested in Ilia Zabarnyi as they are looking to bring in future superstars.
So far, Van den Berg has looked like the real deal for Michael Carrick’s side.
