Manchester City are in a position of rude financial health, albeit Pep Guardiola has now received a record-breaking offer for one of his prize assets at the Etihad Stadium.
Erling Haaland urges Man City teammates to embrace change
The Premier League is a competition marked by eras and Manchester City are definitely going through a period of transition on that front after losing the likes of Ederson, Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan during the summer window.
New faces such as Omar Marmoush, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Rayan Cherki have entered the fold, and Erling Haaland has urged his new teammates to create their own version of history as the Citizens look to challenge Liverpool and Arsenal among others for the title.
“A lot of important people left so new people have to come in and make a difference and people that have been here for years like me have to take more responsibility.
“I have to guide the team, I have to help the new ones to come in as quick as possible, because it’s not easy to come into a new country and perform straight away. We need to help each other. We need to understand that the past is the past and we’re not the same team anymore. We have to use it in a positive way.”
While academy starlets like Stephen Mfuni may force their way into the Manchester City first-team hoping to follow the example of Rico Lewis, who recently signed a contract extension, responsibility lies on the shoulders of big-money arrivals to adapt after a summer of change.
However, recent developments suggest that alterations to Guardiola’s side may not be done there as his side respond to a surprise offer for one of their key stars.
Man City receive record-breaking Phil Foden offer
According to reports in Spain, Manchester City have received an offer worth over £112 million from Al-Nassr for Phil Foden, who may also be presented with an ‘astronomical’ contract proposal as the Saudi Pro League side look to make a statement.
Fortunately for supporters, Guardiola views the England international as an ‘untouchable’ and key part of his project, making a transfer to the Middle East for the Stockport native something that won’t be entertained by Etihad chiefs.
Despite the Citizens’ willingness to retain Foden, he does only have two years left on his current contract, something that will need to be clarified before other clubs begin to test the waters.
Even after a disappointing 2024/25 campaign where he still managed to claim 13 goals and seven assists in 49 appearances, Guardiola’s stance on him is emblematic of what he believes Manchester City should represent, signifying that the homegrown hero won’t be going anywhere for the time being.