Phil Foden seems motivated to right his wrongs from an underwhelming previous season in the 2025/2026 campaign.
Foden claimed “new season, new me” and admitted to having the desire to “prove people wrong” after Manchester City’s 2-0 victory against Wydad AC.
With Rayan Cherki already impressing Pep Guardiola, the England international will have to embrace the competition that comes with making the number 10 position his own.
However, Manchester City fans would be hoping that Pep Guardiola finds a way to play Phil Foden alongside Cherki.
Morgan Gibbs-White closing in on Tottenham move could upset Phil Foden
One of the other reasons why Foden would have been excited about next season is because Morgan Gibbs-White was linked with a move to City.
Foden and Gibbs-White are close friends, with the Nottingham Forest midfielder even being the godfather to his son, Ronnie.
Morgan Gibbs-White warms up ahead of Nottingham Forest v Leicester City.
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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As a result, the six-time Premier League winner would have hoped to line up alongside the former Wolves technician in a City shirt, with both players having won the Under-17 World Cup in tandem previously.
However, Manchester City chose not to sign Gibbs-White as they were not keen to pay the £70 million asking price to sign him, with Tottenham Hotspur now closing in on the player’s signature.
Furthermore, City preferred to make multiple signings in midfield rather than splashing the cash on one midfielder.
Gibbs-White has a £60 million release clause and there are several reasons why he would have helped Foden hit new heights had Manchester City decide to secure his services.
Gibbs-White and Foden’s chemistry with each other on and off the pitch
Gibbs-White providing legs in midfield to make life easier for the Manchester City poster-boy
The Forest star being able to find Foden in acres of space due to his expansive range of passing
While Manchester City worked to sign Gibbs-White, they are content with Reijnders and Cherki being their only new additions in the middle of the park, with Rodri’s return from injury feeling like a new signing as well.
Man City could still sign Morgan Gibbs-White
Hugo Viana has always admired Gibbs-White and it is a slight surprise that City ultimately decided not to pursue his signature.
Currently, Tottenham’s move to sign Gibbs-White is uncertain as Nottingham Forest believe their approach to contact the player before triggering his release clause is “illegal”, giving Manchester City the hope to sign him.
However, from Foden’s perspective, as much as he would have liked to play alongside Gibbs-White at Manchester City, his focus must be on returning to his best.
However, once the new season starts, the 25-year-old cannot afford to get off to a slow start.