Phil Foden was one of the players Leeds were hoping to have for the coming season, but today the Manchester Evening News have reported that Manchester City have no intention of sending him out on loan.
It was thought that with Pep Guardiola being an admirer of Marcelo Bielsa he would trust him with the development of his up and coming young players who need a bit of first team experience, and that Foden could lent to Leeds United for the duration of 2018/19.
But today’s MEN report has appeared to dash any such hopes, saying that the 18 year-old midfield player is now regarded as a member of City’s first team squad and won’t be going on loan anywhere. Instead, the highly promising young player will be offered a new five year contract. City are intent on keeping their best young talent, after losing Jadon Sancho to Borussia Dortmund this time last year.
Foden made his breakthrough into City’s first team last season, despite the competition for places in their expensively assembled squad. He made 10 appearances in all competitions, including three starts, and is likely to feature more frequently in the season to come. He’s tipped to make England’s world cup squad in 2022, and after his debut Guardiola said "I’ve not seen something like I saw today for a long time. His performance was another level”.
If he’s that good it’s a shame we won’t be bringing him to Elland Road, even for one season, but we can still hope that other City youth products might find their way to Leeds. Spurs are another potential source of loan signings, as Mauricio Pochettino played for Bielsa’s Argentina team at the 2002 world cup, and is known to be another admirer of his methods.
Despite today’s setback, I’m sure Marcelo Bielsa has the contacts he needs to compile a squad that’s good enough for a promotion challenge.