Manager Josep Guardiola is “fed up” with one of Manchester City’s key players and is “willing to sacrifice” him for the Real Madrid star, according to reports.
Man City have suffered a downturn over the past 18 months under Guardiola.
They struggled last season, dropping out of the Premier League title race before the start of the year and losing to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.
Amid a disappointing 2024/25 season, it became clear that Man City’s era of dominance is over and that a rebuild is needed to reduce the average age of the squad and develop future stars.
Man City have spent big in recent transfer windows to boost their rebuild, but appear to be several levels below Premier League title favorites Arsenal this season.
Read: Is Pep Guardiola smelling another Premier League title challenge?
City have become heavily reliant on Erling Haaland, arguably the best player in the Premier League this season.
Phil Foden has improved his form this season, but last season he suffered a dip in form after winning the PFA Player of the Year award in 2023/24 and faced harsh criticism.
Despite Foden’s improved form, reports in Spain claim Guardiola “wants to get rid of Foden” as he “will sacrifice” him to sign the Real Madrid star.
There is said to be “talk” in City’s dressing room that Guardiola “got rid of Foden” because he was “tired of waiting for the ultimate breakthrough”.
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If Foden leaves Man City, Guardiola wants Real Madrid’s ‘jewel’ Arda Guler to replace the England international, but the Spanish giants are keen to keep him, the newspaper reports.
The report claims:
“City have reportedly already sent the first signals to the Madrid club, but Madrid’s reaction is clear. Guler is not for sale. The player has a contract until 2029 with a buyout clause of 1 billion euros. Financial hurdles stand in the way of any attempt by Lando, with Bernabéu bosses ensuring the Turkish player is an “untouchable” part of Alonso’s project, with Alonso hailing him as something between Ozil and Guti.
“But Manchester City are not giving up. Guardiola has reportedly asked the board to make a “special effort” for Guler, recognizing the urgent need for generational change. Meanwhile, pressure on Foden increases.
