Pep Guardiola Claims Phil Foden Will Never Be Sold - Not Even For €500 Million

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has claimed Phil Foden is the one player at the club who will not be sold - not even for a world record fee of €500 million.

The 19-year-old midfielder, who is a lifelong City supporter, signed a long-term contract extension at the end of last year which earns him around £30,000-a-week, according to reports.

He may not get many first team minutes but it's clear Guardiola holds the youngster in high regard.

"We didn't give Foden a new contract by accident," Guardiola said in an extract from a new book titled: 'Pep's City: The Making of a Superteam'.

"He is the only player that can't be sold under any circumstances - the only one. Not even for 500m euros."

"Phil's going nowhere - Phil IS City. We won't be signing anyone else for that position."

Image: PA

Guardiola has even tipped Foden to replace the club's resident playmaker, David Silva, when he leaves at the end of the season.

"When David Silva leaves, we know exactly who our new magician will be." The City manager said.

"He's grown up with us. He's one of us and he's going to be brilliant - one of the Premier League's best."

Many have criticised the 48-year-old in recent months for Foden's lack of playing time on the pitch but the Spaniard insists that it's the right thing to do for his development.

"It's better to take things slowly. One thing is clear, Foden has a place in City's first team." he said.

"I'd be interested to see if a different manager would have given him his chance to develop, or loaned him out.

"I don't like leaving him out of certain games but must think of the whole squad. Phil understands that."

Image: PA

Of course, this isn't the first time Guardiola has praised the young midfielder.

Back in July this year, he paid Phil Foden the ultimate complement by suggesting he is "the most talented player" he's ever seen.

"He (Foden) is the most talented player I have ever seen." Guardiola beamed in a press conference. "His problem is sometimes his manager doesn't put him in starting XI."

"He deserves all the minutes but with his competitors it isn't easy. He works incredibly. He knows I'm here to help him."

Pep's comments came after Foden said he was "lucky" to be part of a "special team".

"I am lucky to be part of it. It is a special team. The success comes from the depth of the squad. Anyone who plays will put a shift in and play well." he said via BBC.

The midfielder admits that he has to pinch himself from time to time.

Do you agree with Guardiola on his recent claims?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Manchester City, Phil Foden, Football News, Football, Pep Guardiola, Transfers

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_