Manchester City are ready to offer their academy youngster, Phil Foden a new contract which could see him earn double of what he is paid right now – £20,000-a-week. City are well insured with the 17-year-old’s contract set to run till the summer of 2020 but the judging by the potential he has shown it would only be foolish to tie him down for even longer.
Foden is one of the hottest talents in the Premier League who quite deservedly has earned his 6 senior team appearances this season. He is a local boy, from Stockport, and has been at City since the age of nine. The sight of him striding through a powerful Chelsea defence during the FA Youth Cup final and then unleashing a left-footed shot which earned City a draw in the first leg, was the highlight of a game that was otherwise a reminder of Chelsea’s ongoing dominance at youth level.
He is perfect for Pep Guardiola’s set up – an attacking midfielder who takes the ball in tight spaces and, with lovely balance and deceptive strength, holds onto it and generally uses it intelligently. He is well adept in setting up his teammates in threatening positions and taking over the scoring responsibility when required.
He played a key role in England’s U17 World Cup 2017 win in October of last year and displayed his talents in front of the entire world. He even found a few minutes under his belt in the Carrabo Cup final against Arsenal.
Manchester City are on an inspiring run of form this season having won the EFL League Cup recently and the Premier League quite possibly already under the bag. Pep Guardiola will be shifting all his focus towards the UEFA Champions League now and is expected to finish the season on a historical note.
However is Manchester City the right club for young players who are capable of playing at the Senior level?
The former Barcelona manager also has been reluctant in allowing youngsters into the first team squad judging by the 16-man squad he named in the 1-1 draw against Burnley earlier in the year.
The entire Etihad management operates on purchasing proven talents rather than allowing their youngsters to take up a major role with the club. Foden is not expected to develop with a lack of game time in the Premier League something every young player needs to fulfil their potential.
If he does end up committing his future to the Citizens, maybe he is better off spending a few seasons out on loan.
