Bursting onto the scene in 2017, off the back of a brilliant youth World Cup performance, Phil Foden soon became the talking point in the conversation about England’s future. Since then, however, the Englishman has been forced to watch on from the Manchester City bench; those players at a similar age prosper on the pitch at different clubs. The City academy graduate has played just 354 minutes in the Premier League this season. He has recorded 10 goal involvements, impressing when given the opportunity; this an opportunity that hasn’t come his way on enough occasions this season. Foden’s ability is clear but to realise his potential, he may need to play his football elsewhere.
Why Phil Foden Needs to Leave Manchester City to Realise His Potential
Following in the Footsteps of Jadon Sancho
With Manchester City reportedly targeting Houssem Aouar in the summer, a similar player and age to that of Foden, the Manchester City midfielder may face more competition than ever for a starting place next season. According to L’Equipe, Lyon are ready to put the French midfielder up for sale in the summer with Juventus and Manchester City both interested in securing the midfielder’s signature. A transfer to the Citizens for the Frenchman would leave Phil Foden in a precarious position and a position where he may need to consider his options in the summer.
And a move could be exactly what Foden needs to realise his potential. He could follow in the footsteps of the likes of Jadon Sancho and play on the biggest of stages week in week out. At 20, Sancho is already one of the best players in Europe. But, this is only after being given a fair crack at the whip in Dortmund. Meanwhile, at 19, Phil Foden is sat on the bench at the Etihad with limited opportunity. A move would undoubtedly see Foden reach the heights of Sancho and beyond; he would finally get the opportunity to impress that he craves at Manchester City week in week out.
At this point, however, a move seems unlikely. But, with each passing week on the Manchester bench, the seed of doubt will grow bigger and bigger in the mind of Foden and eventually leave him with no choice but to realise his potential elsewhere.
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