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Why Man City must hold onto this 18-year-old prodigy amidst Dortmund interest – could be Silva’s replacement

Why Manchester City must hold onto Phil Foden amidst Dortmund interest

According to the Daily Mail, Borussia Dortmund are interested in signing Manchester City starlet Phil Foden as they want to team him up with Jadon Sancho in the Bundesliga.

The 18-year-old has been at Manchester City since the age of eight and has a contract until the summer of 2020. But Dortmund’s interest in Phil Foden has shot up since Sancho’s arrival at the Signal Iduna Park last summer.

Sancho made his Dortmund debut last season but he has been tearing up the Bundesliga this term with his dazzling displays. The teenage sensation has scored a goal and registered six assists in the Bundesliga so far this season, playing for a free-flowing Dortmund side under manager Lucien Favre.

Following an impressive start to the 2018/19 campaign, Sancho was called up to the England senior squad for the first time for the Nations League games against Croatia and Spain. The 18-year-old made his debut as a 78th-minute substitute against Croatia on 12 October in a 0–0 away draw.

Phil Foden

Looking at Sancho’s rise at Dortmund, it is easy to suggest why a young English talent’s head could get turned. While Sancho left Manchester City last year following a lack of game time, Phil Foden has been slowly making a name at the Etihad under Pep Guardiola.

Foden shot to limelight when he performed impressively in a 2-0 loss to Manchester United in the 2017 pre-season tour. After making it to the bench at the start of the 2017/18 season, Foden made his Manchester City debut last season in a Champions League encounter against Feyenoord.

He became the youngest ever player to receive a Premier League winner’s medal last term and has been doing very well ever since.

Despite the 18-year-old impressing in cameo roles, Guardiola has been unable to provide him with enough opportunities this season to showcase his talent. Due to the galaxy of stars present at Man City, it is very logical why Guardiola hasn’t been able to give Foden enough game time this season.

But after a magnificent individual display in the Carabao Cup win against Oxford United where he netted his team’s third goal, City are planning to hand Foden a contract extension, which shows how highly he is rated by Guardiola.

Phil Foden

Pep has always been a promoter of youth ever since he stepped into management but looking at City’s quality and squad depth, it is very difficult for the youngsters to nail down a regular spot in the team.

However, City should persuade Foden by offering him a handsome deal and Guardiola has to slowly start integrating the 18-year-old in the Premier League fixtures. The Stockport-born teenager is a technically gifted player who has superb vision and a good eye for the goal.

And if Foden starts living up to his potential, Guardiola could well get a readymade replacement for the ageing David Silva without spending a single penny.

Read more: Why Man City over Man United is a better destination for this £52m-rated Dutch league starlet

Hence, City should do everything to keep hold of Foden and avoid another Jadon Sancho tale.