‘Glad it never happened’ – Man City fans react as report claims Phil Foden came “very close” to a loan move away from the Etihad in 2017

It has been revealed that Phil Foden was close to a loan move away from the Etihad in 2017, with Bristol City attempting to acquire the youngster’s services.

Foden, who came through the youth system at City, is widely regarded as one of the best young talents in English football often referred to as a “generational talent”.

Having become the second youngest footballer to set up two goals in a World Cup knockout tie, only behind the Brazilian Ronaldo, Foden is proving himself on the world’s biggest stage.

The 22-year-old is almost undroppable for Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola a huge admirer of the young star, who is capable of playing any position on the pitch.

According to Bristol Live, Foden came “very close” to joining Bristol City on loan in the summer of 2017, following England U17s’ victory at the World Cup under Steve Cooper.

It’s claimed there were many talks among the hierarchy at Man City in 2017, but after impressing Guardiola in training and starting against Manchester United and Real Madrid during the club’s pre-season tour, Foden stayed at the Etihad under the watchful eye of the Spanish manager.

Many claimed that Foden would be shoved to the bench, and missing out on the loan to Ashton Gate would stall the then-17-year-old’s career, but the City prodigy has gone on to make 189 appearances for his boyhood club, scoring 53 goals and assisting 36 others.

By January 2018, many more clubs were reportedly interested in Foden, with Celtic said to be the main club pushing for Foden’s signature. However, the first half of the season cemented Guardiola’s opinion on the starboy, following multiple substitute appearances and a start against Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Champions League.

It is safe to say, Guardiola made the right decision to keep Foden at the club instead of following through with the loan move to Bristol City.

The report was shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters.

“That would’ve been the end of the road for him, I’m glad it never happened.”
Credit: @OgbonnaFerdina2

“Wow imagine we did that he’d be playing at Girona right now.”
Credit: @CanceloProp4

“Absolute nonsense, Pep always said from day one that he would never go on loan.”
Credit: @_Birty

“We’re talking about 2017 summer mate, Pep’s rebuild season. 16 year old Phil had no chance. Probably a loan looked like a good idea.”
Credit: @RepMCFC

“Summer of 2017 was when he made his debut against United, Pep didn’t say straight after that game he was never going on loan but probably made the final decision not to let him go.”
Credit: @GeorgeMCFC6

“Respect on pep once again.”
Credit: @amiany_o