Ian Wright has questioned Phil Foden’s long-term future at Manchester City after Thomas Tuchel claimed the attacking midfielder needs to rediscover his joy for the game.
The 24-year-old wasn’t picked in the England squad for the latest World Cup qualifying games after a difficult period at club level.
An ankle injury hasn’t helped Foden’s performances. Still, he’s had a difficult 2024-25 campaign that dramatically dropped in form compared to the previous season, when he won the PFA Player of the Year award.
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Foden fell out of the Manchester City team at points last season, with Pep Guardiola preferring other options instead, and now there are question marks over Foden’s future at the club.
Phil Foden playing for Manchester City in the Champions League
Photo by ANP via Getty Images
Ian Wright thinks Phil Foden ‘might need to move’
Foden has been at Manchester City his entire career, being a product of their academy system, and a great example of someone breaking through to become a top first-team player.
However, Foden only scored 13 goals in 49 games last season and has played only 15 minutes of football so far this campaign.
During the latest episode of Stick to Football, Wright questioned whether Foden has to move on at this stage of his career to find the joy of playing again.
“When I hear him say that he’s got to find the joy, he’s 25, and he’s won everything that the domestic game has got to offer, he’s at a place now where his club’s transitioning.
“They’re bringing other players in; he can’t get into the squad. People are constantly questioning his England performances, and he’s sitting there with everything and nothing.
“It’s in his head now, ‘Can I go again? Can I find the joy? Why did I play in the first place?’ You hope he does, because if it’s not just a dip and you look at what he’s done, people will judge him.
“He’s at a crossroads. It’s got to be onto themselves. Phil’s been with Pep for the whole time, that might be a bit tiring, he might need to move. It’s a tough one.”
Foden wouldn’t be the first major academy star to leave the Etihad Stadium, as Cole Palmer gambled on himself to join Chelsea, which proved to be the best decision for him personally.
Manchester City have made a slow start to the season
While Foden’s general performances of late have underwhelmed people, Manchester City have also generally struggled at the start of the season.
Guardiola’s men have won just one of their opening three Premier League matches, leaving them 13th in the table.
Manchester City are now preparing for a major derby game against Manchester United on Sunday, but it’s unclear whether or not Foden will be fit enough to feature.
However, Joe Cole has backed Foden to rediscover his form, as he believes that the midfielder is the best English player in the world when he’s firing on all cylinders.