Phi Foden has been urged to become an “absolute star” at Coventry City and learn from Frank Lampard - the master of top flight longevity.
That’s the seemingly far fetched view of talkSPORT journalist Adrian Durham who believes the 25-year-old forward’s career has “fizzled out” at Manchester City.
Foden has this week agreed terms in principle on a new four-year contract at the Etihad Stadium. The England international is about to enter the final year of his current deal and is expected to commit his future to his boyhood club until 2030, and his new contract includes the option to extend by a further year.
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The player has won six Premier League titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups and five Carabao Cups since breaking through from the Man City academy, making his debut aged 17 in 2017. He has scored 10 goals and provided five assists in 46 appearances in all competitions for City this season.
But Durham, speaking on the radio station’s daily podcast, questioned: “So what’s the next step for Phil Foden? The next step isn’t signing a new contract at Manchester City for more of the same. Rayan Cherki is there and isn’t going to give up his place to you easily. There are wingers there who are better than you; (Antoine) Semenyo and (Jeremy) Doku are not going to give up their places easily so Phil Foden’s a sub, at best. So I do not understand why he has signed a new contract.”
Providing advice to the player, he added: “Here’s what he should have done, this summer, and maybe this might happen. I might be proved wrong here. I doubt it, but he should have sought a move to Coventry. Now he might still go on loan, OK.
“But go to Coventry City and be an absolute star, rip it up and keep them at least up in the Premier League or take them to unbelievable heights in their first season back, and while you are there learn everything you need to know about being a top footballer at the top level for a long time from Frank Lampard.
“In the meantime, congratulations Phil Foden, you’ve had a great career but it’s fizzled out a little bit now.”
What do you make of this then, utter nonsense or has he got a point? Click HERE to have your say.
Coventry City are back in the Premier League
The Coventry Telegraph has produced a stunning special edition marking the achievements of Frank Lampard and his men.
And to celebrate, the Coventry Telegraph has produced this stunning 48-page special edition marking the achievements of Frank Lampard and his men.
Since relegation in 2001, the Sky Blues have gone through many well-documented lows, but a quarter of a century later, free-scoring City have earned promotion in emphatic style.
And our bumper special edition is the perfect souvenir to remember that fantastic achievement by.
We'll have match reports, pics, and reaction from every kick of City's journey back to English football's promised land.
It's all here... the avalanche of goals pre-Christmas that made promotion look nailed on, the brief wobble that followed, and the revival under Lampard to consolidate their position at the top of the table.
Plus, Sky Blues writer Andy Turner will have pages and pages of in-depth analysis on the title-winning season, manager Lampard's success, key players, and what lies ahead for the club in the top flight.
Club historian Jim Brown will also share his fact-filled take on promotion, while there will be pictures and reports from the Sky Blues' joyful promotion celebrations.
Click here to buy
Every day, the CoventryLive football desk strive to deliver all manner of news, features and transfer-related stories as a part of our overall package of Coventry City content.
Our dedicated reporter Andy Turner - who you can follow on X - follows the Sky Blues home and away and offers you comprehensive coverage from matchdays, press conferences and everything that happens in between.
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