Rio Ferdinand encourages Phil Foden to seek Manchester City exit

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has suggested that Man City youngster Phil Foden should seek pastures new in the near future, if the gifted teen intends to fulfill his massive potential.

City prodigy

18-year-old midfielder Foden is widely-viewed as one of the finest young talents in England.

The City starlet possesses a rare combination of touch, vision, dribbling ability and eye for goal, attributes which come together to suggest that he could yet go on to become English football’s next great midfielder.

However, despite his immense talent, the Three Lions youth international has found game-time hard to come by at senior level to this point in his career.

After appearing 5 times off the bench in the Premier League last season, Foden has since added a further 9 substitute cameos to his tally thus far this season.

When given the chance to impress as a starter in cup competitions, though, the teen has thrived.

Across 8 appearances (6 starts) between the FA Cup and League Cup, Foden has racked up a hugely-impressive 5 goals.

Phil Foden celebrates after scoring during the Carabao Cup Semi-Final First-Leg match between Manchester City and Burton Albion. Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images.

Foden on the move?

And it is this kind of production which has seen suggestions begin to grow that the marauding midfielder may be best served seeking a move away from the Etihad in the near-future, in search of regular first-team football.

The latest to suggest as much is former Manchester United defender and English international Rio Ferdinand.

While most have hinted that a loan departure from Manchester may be the best course of action, though, Ferdinand has encouraged Foden to follow in the footsteps of fellow English starlet Jadon Sancho, in seeking out a permanent transfer.

‘Needs game time’

Speaking in an interview with talkSPORT, Ferdinand explained:

‘He’s got great potential. But at the end of the day he needs game time.’

‘He’s not going to get that at Manchester City. Jadon Sancho didn’t, so that’s why he left.’

‘He demanded regular football and decided to go to Borussia Dortmund.’

‘To be fair he’s fully vindicated that decision. He’s a £100m+ player now.’

The 40-year-old continued:

‘If there’s an injury in midfield and they’ve got a big game, I don’t see him being the man to come in and fill the gap.’

‘For instance if David Silva was out then [Ilkay] Gundogan plays there or Bernando Silva replaces him.’

Bernardo Silva celebrates during the Premier League match between Manchester City and AFC Bournemouth. Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images.

‘There’s no doubt Foden will improve by training with a squad of that quality. But there will come a time when he thinks to himself I want to play first-team football.’

‘Every footballer has that competitive nature in them and wants to be one of the first names on the teamsheet – Foden will be no different.’

‘I hope he gets the opportunity do that at Manchester City because it will be great for English football, but the circumstances would need to change.’

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