talkSPORT pundit Dean Saunders has slammed Man City as they are reportedly on the verge of signing wonderkid Phil Foden on a new deal.
The Telegraph reported that he was on the verge of signing a “lucrative” six-year deal that would see him stay at the Etihad until 2024.
However, this hasn’t gone down well with Saunders who was talking on talkSPORT on Thursday morning.
“He’s 18 and because of the amount of money clubs pay for players they obviously have to cover their back and cover their assets,” Saunders said.
“You have to give him a long contract. To keep him at the club for six years you have to give him, I don’t know what, say £50k-a-week, when you give an 18-year-old £50k-a-week it’s danger signs.
“We don’t know how much this new contract will attract Phil Foden. I cringe at this. He’s done nothing, played two games. That doesn’t sit well with me.”
? “I cringe at this. He’s being given £30m and he’s played two games.”
? “When you give an 18-year-old £50k a week, there’s danger signs.”
Dean Saunders questions #ManCity giving @PhilFoden a huge new deal.
What do you think? ? pic.twitter.com/UUPK5s2mXD
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) November 15, 2018
OPINION
Saunders is right and wrong here. Foden is a major talent and Man City have obviously decided that now is the time to lock him into a very long contract. With Paris St-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and a host of other clubs interested in his signature, it’s the only thing they can do to protect a player who could go on to be a world-class talent. Of course there’s a risk with a deal like this and it’s a huge amount of money for anyone, let alone an 18-year-old. But, it’s the way of the world, and whether it’s right or wrong, City aren’t the bad guys here. Saunders is also wrong when he says that Foden has done nothing. He’s already made 20 appearances for City, 10 this season, although he’s yet to start in the Premier League. That gives you some idea of how highly rated he is. Not many players of that age get anywhere near the first-team set-up of any of the top-six clubs. Just speak to some of the young Chelsea players. If he’s got strong people around him and a good head on his shoulders, Foden should be fine.