Why Newcastle United should make a move for Phil Foden
Former Chelsea star Craig Burley has urged Newcastle United to sign Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden this summer, according to The Express.
Foden, 19, came through the ranks of Manchester City’s youth system. He was promoted to club’s senior set-up a few years back, making a breakthrough in the 2017/18 season. He is one of the best players at his age-group levels and is a technically-gifted player.
The youngster was one of the key members in the England U17’s side World Cup-winning campaign back in 2017, where he scored 2 goals in the final against Spain. However, he has not played regularly under Pep Guardiola due to the big names in the squad. And thus, the Magpies should make a move for him at the earliest.
Steve Bruce’s men have failed to show consistency throughout the campaign. After staying in the top half of the table for the majority of the season, their form has dropped since the boxing day loss to Manchester United.
Since then, the Magpies have won just 2 of their last 11 league games and are currently 13th in the league standings. One of the major reasons for their disappointing campaign is the lack of consistency in front of goal. The attacking unit has failed miserably with their record-signing Joelinton managing just 1 goal so far.
Of the 25 goals Newcastle have scored so far, most of them have come from the midfielders. Jonjo Shelvey is their top scorer with 5 goals. However, their midfield has also not been up to the mark and the manager should focus on strengthening the midfield also.
Nabil Bentaleb and Valentino Lazaro were signed on loan in January but before they could make something happen, the league got suspended. And their loan deals will expire at the end of the season. That would leave the manager with just three attack-minded midfielders in Shelvey, Sean Longstaff and Matt Ritchie.
In that regard, signing City’s youngster would help them add depth to their midfield. The teenager has been brilliant whenever he has come from the bench for Guardiola’s side. He has also been instrumental in his side’s FA Cup run, scoring 1 goal and providing 2 assists in 2 games.
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Foden would be a valuable addition to the Magpies squad if he is able to continue with the same form. He has already featured in 62 games for City, scoring 10 goals and providing 10 assists, and Newcastle should make an approach in the summer.
Verdict
At 19, Foden has been one of the best young talents in the country. And the Magpies would stand to benefit from his presence. Moreover, given his age and potential, Foden has what it takes to grow into a crucial player for Newcastle in the coming years. Thus, they should be able to lure Foden to St. James’ Park as early as possible.
