It’s officially time to start looking ahead. With 2020 finally coming to a merciful end, here are five things we expect to see happen in world soccer in 2021.

Liverpool win Premier League on final day

Liverpool’s path to a successive Premier League title is going to be much rockier compared to the cakewalk Jurgen Klopp’s record-breaking side enjoyed during an unparalleled 2019-20 campaign.

Six months after the Reds ended their 30-year wait for a top-flight crown with a record seven matches remaining in a season interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic, Liverpool struggle to separate from the pack due to a slew of injuries that have devastated the squad since the new season kicked off in September.

Virgil van Dijk was the first to go down with a potentially season-ending injury before Joe Gomez was also ruled out for the majority of the campaign. The injuries continued to pile up, as new signings Diogo Jota and Thiago Alcantara were also sidelined following impressive starts to life at Anfield.

Given the nature of the sport and congested schedule, there’s bound to be more injury concerns that could derail Liverpool’s season. But the club has shown the ability to persevere and will have its 20th league trophy wrapped up when the final whistle sounds on the last day of the season.

Bayern retain Champions League title

One look at the Champions League winners over the last 30 years and you can see just how difficult it is to defend the most coveted prize in European club football.

But Bayern Munich will join Real Madrid – who won three titles in a row from 2016 to 2018 – as the only teams to repeat as champions in the modern era.

Bayern were unable to hang on to the ultra-talented Thiago, and summer signing Leroy Sane has struggled with injuries and poor form during his first few months. But Hansi Flick’s side picked up where it left off in August by running away with its group and completing the opening phase in dominant fashion.

Though a draw in the group stage stopped Bayern from continuing last season’s breathtaking string of performances when the Bundesliga side completed the tournament by winning 11 straight matches, the reigning champions look just as strong this term with the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Muller, Joshua Kimmich, and Alphonso Davies leading the charge.

Italy crowned European champion

Italy’s wait for another major trophy is set to end.

Roberto Mancini’s team closed out 2020 as one of the best on the international stage and looks poised to carry that form into the new year.

In need of a strong response to the humiliation of missing out on the 2018 World Cup, Italy put on a masterclass performance to secure a spot at Euro 2020 by completing the qualifying stage with a perfect record.

Goals poured in from anyone who put on the famous blue strip; Italy ended its qualifying stage with 37 goals from 18 different players. The team’s performance at the back was equally impressive, as it conceded just four times in 10 qualifying games.

Though there’s no doubting Mancini’s squad is brimming with exciting young players such as Nicolo Barella, Federico Chiesa, and Nicolo Zaniolo (who vowed to be fit for the tournament), finding the right blend of veteran experience will be crucial for a side in search of its first major trophy since winning the 2006 World Cup.

Messi leaves Barcelona for PSG

Winning the Champions League or overcoming a poor start to win La Liga probably won’t be enough to convince Lionel Messi to stay at Barcelona.

After failing to engineer his departure amid an acrimonious saga this past summer, Messi’s future at the Camp Nou remains very much in doubt, with the Argentine appearing to have his heart set on a move abroad. And Barcelona’s struggles in the first half of the season aren’t helping matters.

So, where will the six-time Ballon d’Or winner end up?

Manchester City were the favorites to land the 33-year-old superstar thanks to their seemingly bottomless financial resources. But there’s a very good chance Messi will spurn a chance to play in the Premier League and send shockwaves through the football world by joining Paris Saint-Germain – who, like City, are backed by billionaire owners desperate to improve the team at virtually any cost.

In choosing Paris over Manchester, Messi will link up with old Barcelona pal Neymar to form an attack with Kylian Mbappe that could be more lethal than their triumvirate with Luis Suarez that terrorized opponents in Spain.

Mbappe wins Ballon d’Or

If Messi does end up in Paris, it could go a long way in helping PSG convince Mbappe to commit his future to the club and snub a long-rumored transfer to Real Madrid next summer.

However, a bit of an awkward situation could arise shortly after the partnership is formed, with Mbappe potentially beating Messi to capture the Ballon d’Or for the first time in his career.

The 22-year-old would be the fifth-youngest player to capture the award – assuming it’s handed out at its usual time next December – and just six months older than Messi was when he won the first of his six Ballon d’Or crowns in 2009.

Similar to the popular belief after Messi’s first win, it likely won’t be the last time Mbappe wins the top individual honor in football. The French forward, already highly decorated despite his age, is poised to evolve into one of the few players capable of equalling the impossibly high standard Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo set over the years.

Lionel Messi has every Major League Soccer executive crunching the numbers right now.

In a wide-ranging interview with Jordi Evole of Spanish television channel La Sexta on Sunday evening, the Barcelona superstar opened up about his future and admitted he has always envisioned playing outside of La Liga, specifically mentioning the United States as a potential destination.

“I’ve always had the dream of playing in another league, in the United States,” the 33-year-old said, as translated by The Athletic. “Maybe it will happen, it doesn’t have to be right away. Today I am just focused on these next six months.”

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner looked destined to depart the Camp Nou this past summer when he submitted an official transfer request but ultimately decided to remain at the club after a messy saga that threatened to be dragged into the courts.

“A moment came when I thought I had completed the cycle, I needed a change, my head needed to get away from all the issues at the club,” Messi said.

“(Former president Josep Maria Bartomeu) at the time did not want me to leave, leaked stuff to the press to make me look like the bad guy. But I was doing what I felt in that moment. I knew that if I went to court I would have won, many lawyers confirmed it. But I didn’t want to leave Barca that way.”

With his contract set to expire in 2021, Messi’s free to negotiate a move to a new team once the January transfer window opens. But he said he plans to wait until the current season is over before deciding on his future.

“I’m just thinking about ending (the) season well, winning trophies, not getting involved in anything else,” he said. “The (presidential) elections have to happen, and then we will see. Hopefully, we can end the year well, win a trophy or two, and then in June we will see.”

Messi added that Barcelona are in a “very, very bad” situation and that the club’s current financial malaise will make it supremely difficult to “get back to where we were.”

Barca haven’t reached the Champions League final since 2015 – when they last won the tournament – and their early struggles this season have them sitting only fifth in La Liga.

Over the last 12 unprecedented months, soccer leagues across the globe shut down, opened back up, and played on despite numerous health and logistical challenges. The sport never looked – or sounded – so different. But it wasn’t only the coronavirus pandemic that made headlines in the world of soccer. In Part 1 of this series, theScore runs through stories 10-6.

10. Watford end Liverpool’s record run

An embarrassing defeat in late February to Watford denied Liverpool a shot at immortality, ending their unbeaten run in the Premier League at 44 matches. The loss, a 3-0 humbling at Vicarage Road, left the Reds several games short of tying Arsenal’s 49-match record, set by the Invincibles from 2003-04, and marked the end of an 18-match winning streak in league play.

Though Liverpool still had a commanding 22-point lead and eventually won the Premier League, the result cost them real estate in the record books. Jurgen Klopp’s side failed to break the 100-point threshold, which it had been projected to do, and lost to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League round of 16.

Few, if anyone, would have imagined Watford, then in 17th place, as Liverpool’s Achilles’ heel. The Hornets were battling issues of their own. Star winger Gerard Deulofeu was out injured, and manager Quique Sanchez Flores had just been replaced. Watford ended up being relegated, but earned themselves a footnote as the David to Liverpool’s Goliath.

9. Players walk out over ref’s racist remark

In an extraordinary show of solidarity, players for both Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir walked off the pitch and abandoned a Champions League match in December after learning an official used a racial slur.

Basaksehir assistant Pierre Webo, a former Cameroonian international, accused fourth official Sebastian Coltescu, who is Romanian, of racism after he was shown a red card. “Why do you say negro?” he was heard saying on the television broadcast.

The Romanian word for Black is “negru.”

UEFA agreed to postpone the match until the next day and replaced the officiating crew. The president of Basaksehir, meanwhile, demanded a lifetime ban for Coltescu.

It was the first time players staged a walkout during a Champions League match. An investigation is ongoing.

8. Manchester City banned, temporarily, from Europe

UEFA made the bold decision to kick Manchester City out of European competition in February, imposing a two-year ban and a €30-million fine for “serious” breaches of Financial Fair Play. The ruling threatened to destroy the multi-billion-pound investment by Abu Dhabi’s royal family and break up one of the most expensive sports teams ever assembled.

A few months later, City won an equally historic appeal in the Court of Arbitration for Sport and avoided the ban altogether. City’s lawyers successfully argued that UEFA had failed to act within an appropriate time period, dealing an embarrassing blow to European soccer’s governing body. The appeal made a mockery of FFP, rules UEFA enacted in 2011 to keep clubs from spending beyond their means, and threatened its future as a safeguard against overspending.

Afterward, it was business as usual. Pep Guardiola committed his future to City by signing a new contract, and the club went on to spend more than £120 million on defenders Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias, and winger Ferran Torres.

7. Rashford gets action on child hunger

When Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford started a charity drive to keep millions of vulnerable children fed through the summer months, the young forward began a movement that would result in action at the highest level of government and recognition from the Queen of England.

Rashford’s partnership with FanShare, a food distribution charity, raised an initial £20 million for children in need in June and encouraged the 23-year-old, who relied on free school meals during his childhood, to request direct intervention from UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. After initially balking at Rashford’s plea, Johnson caved to public outcry and granted nearly £300 million in food vouchers.

The Queen added Rashford to her birthday honors list and made him an MBE, one of the highest distinctions in England.

“Let’s stand together in saying that no children in the UK should be going to bed hungry,” Rashford said in October. “As I have said many times before, no matter your feeling or opinion, not having access to food is NEVER the child’s fault.”

6. Bayern complete unlikely treble

Bayern Munich fell as low as seventh in the Bundesliga standings when Hansi Flick took over in November. They were reeling from a 5-1 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt – their heaviest defeat in a decade – and approaching what seemed to be the end of an era.

But Flick, known as a motivator and clear communicator in German soccer circles, reinvigorated the players. After replacing Niko Kovac as manager, Flick led Bayern to a second treble in club history, winning the Bundesliga, German Cup, and Champions League in an extraordinary turn of fortune.

Bayern’s greatest feat came in the Champions League final, where they dispatched PSG to win a sixth European title. With the 1-0 victory, the German juggernauts became the first side to win every match in a single Champions League campaign. Their devastating run included an 8-2 demolition of Barcelona in the semifinals that was eerily reminiscent of Germany’s 7-1 thrashing of Brazil in the 2014 World Cup.

With the January transfer window set to open later this week – and plenty of clubs in need of immediate upgrades – here’s a look at 20 high-profile players who could be on the move.

Note: Estimated transfer values are from Transfermarkt.

Premier League

Mesut Ozil (Arsenal)

Age: 32 | Position: Attacking midfielder | Estimated value: €5M

He needs to leave Arsenal eventually, right? Despite not making a competitive appearance since March, Ozil remains one of the most hotly debated names in the transfer space. Both the midfielder and the Gunners need to sever ties.

Most likely destination: Fenerbahce

Olivier Giroud (Chelsea)

Age: 34 | Position: Striker | Estimated value: €5M

Giroud, understandably, wants more minutes ahead of this summer’s Euros. An exit has been looming for a while, but Frank Lampard has managed to keep him content. Recent performances suggest Chelsea still need Giroud to find the net.

Most likely destination: Remains at Chelsea

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Age: 28 | Position: Forward | Estimated value: €120M

An unlikely addition to this list a month ago, a surprisingly candid interview has thrust Salah’s name into the rumor mill. As Jurgen Klopp said in his response, the only reason for the Egyptian to leave Anfield right now is the weather.

Most likely destination: Remains at Liverpool

Paul Pogba (Manchester United)

Age: 27 | Position: Central midfielder | Estimated value: €65M

The undisputed king of transfer season, Pogba is inevitably appearing again on our twice-annual list. His time at Manchester United is nearing its end, but Pogba’s hefty valuation makes a January deal almost impossible.

Most likely destination: Remains at Manchester United until summer

Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur)

Age: 24 | Position: Midfielder | Estimated value: €38M

Mauricio Pochettino’s impending appointment at Paris Saint-Germain has given Alli a lifeline. Jose Mourinho clearly doesn’t appreciate the versatile midfielder, so reuniting with Pochettino is critical for Alli to reignite his career.

Most likely destination: Paris Saint-Germain

La Liga

Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid)

Age: 32 | Position: Striker | Estimated value: €10M

Luis Suarez’s arrival has pushed Costa out the door. That’s too much shithousery potential in one locker room, even for Atletico Madrid. The veteran has terminated his deal and will look to capitalize on a final chance to collect a huge paycheck.

Most likely destination: China

Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

Age: 33 | Position: Forward | Estimated value: €100M

Messi won’t decide on his future until June, even though he’ll technically be free to negotiate with other clubs. That won’t stop everyone else from speculating about his next move, though. Get ready for daily rumors.

Most likely destination: Remains at Barcelona until summer

Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona)

Age: 23 | Position: Winger | Estimated value: €50M

Barcelona are broke. Signings of note will only occur in January if corresponding sales take place, and the oft-injured Dembele is both expendable and potentially capable of commanding a sizable fee.

Most likely destination: Remains at Barcelona until summer

Isco (Real Madrid)

Age: 28 | Position: Attacking midfielder | Estimated value: €20M

Once regarded as being among the game’s silkiest midfielders, Isco’s stock has cratered. The Spaniard has played a mere 358 minutes this season while getting just three league starts. A change of scenery has never been more necessary.

Most likely destination: Arsenal (on loan)

Serie A

Papu Gomez (Atalanta)

Age: 32 | Position: Attacking midfielder | Estimated value: €15M

A bust-up with Gian Piero Gasperini has pushed Atalanta’s longtime talisman toward the exit, and the relationship seems fractured beyond repair. Multiple clubs are interested, and Gomez could be the final piece to get a team over the hump.

Most likely destination: AC Milan

Christian Eriksen (Inter Milan)

Age: 28 | Position: Midfielder | Estimated value: €50M

Inter Milan, in no uncertain terms, want to get rid of Eriksen. The Danish midfielder’s tenure at the San Siro has been an unmitigated disaster, but his talent should still lead to attention from marquee suitors.

Most likely destination: Paris Saint-Germain

Paulo Dybala (Juventus)

Age: 27 | Position: Forward | Estimated value: €80M

Dybala’s inability to secure a place in Andrea Pirlo’s XI – combined with his increasingly murky contract status – is throwing his future into doubt. Juventus came close to selling him once before. Perhaps they close the deal this time?

Most likely destination: Remains at Juventus until summer

Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli)

Age: 29 | Position: Center-back | Estimated value: €65M

Manchester City desperately wanted to sign Koulibaly this past summer, but once again, Napoli held onto their star center-back. It’s unlikely that he leaves midseason with a top-four place very much up for grabs in Serie A.

Most likely destination: Remains at Napoli until summer

Bundesliga

David Alaba (Bayern Munich)

Age: 28 | Position: Defender/midfielder | Estimated value: €65M

Several clubs want to secure the versatile Alaba, who’s among the most coveted of the non-Messi impending free agents. That includes Real Madrid, with the uncertainty over Sergio Ramos’ future adding intrigue.

Most likely destination: Remains at Bayern Munich until summer

Dayot Upamecano (RB Leipzig)

Age: 22 | Position: Center-back | Estimated value: €60M

Similar to the Koulibaly situation, teams in contention for silverware or European spots aren’t selling cornerstone defenders in January. An agreement may well be reached over a fee, but Upamecano won’t change shirts just yet.

Most likely destination: Remains at RB Leipzig until summer

Ozan Kabak (Schalke)

Age: 20 | Position: Center-back | Estimated value: €25M

Schalke, the dysfunctional last-place Bundesliga club, should probably begin preparing for life in the second tier, starting with collecting a handsome fee for Kabak.

Most likely destination: Liverpool

Ligue 1

Renato Sanches (Lille)

Age: 23 | Position: Midfielder | Estimated value: €20M

After a few seasons when it seemed like his promising career was in danger of derailing, Sanches is back on track in France. His resurgence has piqued the interest of Liverpool, setting the stage for a potential move in the future.

Most likely destination: Remains at Lille until summer

Memphis Depay (Lyon)

Age: 26 | Position: Forward | Estimated value: €45M

Depay looked to be heading to the Camp Nou last summer, but Barcelona’s financial issues scuppered that operation. Lyon should pump the brakes on selling the Dutchman for now while they’re in the title hunt.

Most likely destination: Remains at Lyon until summer

Julian Draxler (Paris Saint-Germain)

Age: 27 | Position: Attacking midfielder/forward | Estimated value: €24M

PSG sporting director Leonardo has been trying to move Draxler for about a year, and deals with Hertha Berlin collapsed during the last two transfer windows. Perhaps a swap with Eriksen would satisfy all parties involved in January?

Most likely destination: Inter Milan

Elsewhere in Europe

Perr Schuurs (Ajax)

Age: 21 | Position: Center-back | Estimated value: €9M

Comparisons to former Ajax stud Matthijs de Ligt aren’t an accident, and Schuurs looks destined to make a mammoth move very soon. Liverpool are known admirers, and there’s an awful lot of smoke that could turn into a fire eventually.

Most likely destination: Remains at Ajax until summer