World class Foden giving Man City reason to consider De Bruyne transfer

Suraj Radia

• 25 Feb 2024 13:32 GMT
• 4 min read

Losing a player like Kevin de Bruyne would destabilise almost any team, however Manchester City have not missed a beat thanks to the progression of Phil Foden, leaving questions about whether the changing of the guard could come sooner rather than later for their world class talents.

Foden is enjoying his most complete season yet in his career, playing more minutes than any other previous campaign and already equalling his best-ever Premier League goal contribution total from last year.

But it is in the last two months that Foden has taken his game to a new level, having been used as a more central attacking midfielder compared to the left-wing role has played for the majority of his career.

Half of his 26 goal contributions in all competitions have come in Foden’s last 14 games and the 23-year-old was officially christened as ‘finally world class’ by Pep Guardiola after scoring the winner against Bournemouth this weekend.

Foden’s form has made the return of de Bruyne from injury something of a footnote despite the Belgian grabbing six assists and two goals in his first seven appearances since his comeback.

De Bruyne still remains one of City’s most important players but the 32-year-old’s injury concerns over the past year means that Guardiola has looked towards other ways to keep his team ticking in the absence of his star playmaker.

Foden gives City food for thought after De Bruyne Saudi approach

Foden has stepped up in a more technical role for City, starring for the champions and allowing De Bruyne to stay on the bench for all but six minutes of the victory at Bournemouth.

De Bruyne is rumoured to be a target for Saudi Arabian sides this summer, who will continue to tempt elite superstars to move to the Pro League for huge money – something which could end up appealing to City given the controversy surrounding their finances.

City could end up being significantly punished by the Premier League for more than 100 breaches of their financial rules and potentially forced to curb their spending, while also selling some stars to offset any further concerns.

Although City are thought to be determined to keep De Bruyne and extend his contract, which has 18 months to run, the club have always operated under the basis that every player is replaceable, even their most crucial stars.

Should the tough decision be made to sell De Bruyne, the midfielder will command a significant fee and City know they will be in safe hands after seeing Foden blossom in his central role.

Foden will be content to play on the wing when De Bruyne is on the pitch with him but the youngster's development in the middle has given City the opportunity to consider life after Kevin, with the club now having the best chance to ease their financial problems and seeing their heir apparent challenge the throne as the best midfielder in the world.