Pep Guardiola Firm on Keeping Key Player at Manchester City
Pep Guardiola has clearly communicated to Enzo Maresca that Phil Foden is not for sale, regardless of any potential transfer fee.
Following the Premier League season’s final match against Aston Villa, Guardiola will step down as Manchester City’s manager and take a break from coaching. Maresca, who previously served as City’s assistant manager, will succeed him.
Over his ten years with the club, Guardiola has amassed 20 trophies and is credited with developing numerous talented players, notably Foden. Guardiola highlighted Foden as a future star long before he became a regular starter, suggesting he could be the successor to City icon David Silva, even stating that he wouldn’t consider selling Foden for €500 million (£430 million).
In the book “Pep’s City: The Making of a Superteam,” Guardiola remarked, “We didn’t renew Foden’s contract by chance. He is the only player that can’t be sold under any circumstances, not even for 500 million euros.”
Guardiola expressed confidence in Foden’s role within the team, asserting, “Phil is not leaving; he IS City. We won’t be bringing in anyone else for that position.” He anticipates Foden to take over the playmaking duties after Silva’s departure.
Foden reciprocated the respect post-FA Cup final, acknowledging Guardiola’s influence on his development. He expressed his gratitude for playing under Guardiola and hoped he would remain at the club next season. However, it has now been confirmed that Guardiola will not return.
Foden, recently omitted from the England World Cup squad, looks to put his frustrations aside as he prepares to showcase his skills under Maresca following Guardiola’s final game against Aston Villa.
