As per a report by Bristol Live, it has been revealed that Phil Foden was close to joining Championship side Bristol City on loan in 2017.
Foden to Bristol City on loan was close to becoming a reality
It has been stated that after the Man City wonderkid spearheaded England to winning the U-17 World Cup, several conversations had taken place between the club hierarchy and Bristol regarding a loan deal.
Further details suggest that ex-Bristol City boss Lee Johnson also shared a positive relationship with City.
After all, Johnson was sent by the Sky Blues to New York to conduct a case study for sister club New York City FC in 2013, as previously reported by Bristol Live.
In particular, the English manager was pally with Manchester City’s managing director, Brian Marwood at the time, while he was in charge of Oldham Athletic.
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Furthermore, Tammy Abraham’s rapid development at Ashton Gate was seen as the perfect example of how Phil Foden could grow leaps and bounds at the club.
How Foden managed to stay at City
However, the ‘Stockport Iniesta’ convinced Pep Guardiola that he should train with the first-team under his guidance during the club’s US pre-season tour.
Against Manchester United in particular, the teenage sensation shone in the middle of the park.
The rest is history
It’s safe to say that the decision to keep Foden at City, instead of sending him out on loan was a masterstroke from the club.
When the Englishman was gradually bedded into the side, many felt Pep Guardiola was letting a cracking talent go to waste.
However, the Catalan boss has managed to silence all his doubters over time.
After all, the youngster, tipped to win the Ballon d’Or one day by Michael Owen (via PFA’s YouTube channel) is one of the most key players at Man City, whilst shining for England at the World Cup of all stages.
Perhaps Phil Foden’s career would have panned out differently had he joined Bristol City in the Championship on loan after all.