Ian Wright claimed one player might need to leave Manchester City as he may have grown tired after working under such an intense a manager as Pep Guardiola for years.
A big name who left Guardiola’s side this summer is Jack Grealish, who is making history for Everton by becoming the first player in their history to register two assists in successive Premier League games.
David Moyes has praised Grealish’s impact as it seems like the winger has found a new lease of life after exiting City on a season-long loan.
The Englishman’s former Manchester City teammate Phil Foden is also struggling for form, much like the former Aston Villa winger did in his final two seasons at the Etihad Stadium before departing on loan.
Ian Wright says Phil Foden may need to leave Man City
Ian Wright had his say on Foden during The Overlap’s podcast, Stick To Football as Thomas Tuchel’s comments in May about the attacker needing to “re-find that joy in his game” via BBC Sport were being discussed.
Phil Foden smiling at the Club world Cup.
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Wright emphasised that it is important for Foden to rediscover his love for football: “When I heard he’s got to find his joy, how old is he now?”
More Man City News
“And he’s kind of won everything the domestic game’s got to offer.”
“He’s at a place now where his club’s kind of transitioning, bringing other players in, he can’t get into the squad, people constantly questioning his England performances and he’s sitting there with everything and nothing.”
While Foden struggled physically and mentally last season, Ian Wright claimed the onus is now on him to return to his best: “It’s like, it’s in his head now. Can he find the joy? Why did he play in the first place?”
“You hope he does [find the joy back in his game] because it’s not just a dip and you look at what he’s done, then people judge him for what’s happened at England.”
“He’s at a crossroads.”
With two years left on Foden’s contract, Ian Wright suggested he should leave Manchester City after years of working with Pep Guardiola: “I can imagine as well, Phil’s been with Pep for the whole time. That might be a bit tiring as well. You know what, he might need to move.”
Phil Foden has provided a worrying update around his contract situation
However, with the Stockport-born midfielder being a lifelong City fan, it is hard to imagine that he would be willing to bid farewell to the Etihad Stadium anytime soon.
Considering Trent Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool in the summer to sign for Real Madrid, it cannot be considered impossible for the 25-year-old to leave Manchester City.
As Rio Ferdinand claimed, Foden is an “unreal” player and his goal would be to bounce back and become a mainstay for his boyhood club this campaign.
However, Foden has not been offered a contract extension beyond 2027 so far, as per the player’s own admission.
“I’ve not heard nothing. We’ll see what happens.”
If Foden has another disappointing season, several pundits may agree with Ian Wright and suggest him to leave Manchester City as well.