Former midfielder Don Hutchison believes Phil Foden could eventually be forced to consider his future at Manchester City despite being close to signing a new four-year contract extension.
The pundit also shared his thoughts on the Premier League title race, insisting Arsenal are now in pole position after City’s recent slip-up against Everton.
Arsenal now favourites for Premier League title
Speaking exclusively to BestBettingSites, Hutchison stated his belief that City’s recent 3-3 draw against Everton has handed the advantage to Arsenal in the title race.
“I was Man City before they drew 3-3 against Everton,” Hutchison said. “So it’s in Arsenal’s hands. Go and win the League. I think it could be theirs.”
Despite believing Arsenal are favourites this season, Hutchison expects City to return even stronger next year if manager Pep Guardiola remains at the club.
The former midfielder believes City’s summer rebuild is already taking shape and predicts they could dominate the league once again.
“If he doesn’t win the league, I think he’ll definitely stay and I think he’ll rebuild,” Hutchison explained.
“I think they’ll improve with their signings and I could see City, if Pep stays, winning the league by more than 10 points next year.”
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Phil Foden facing major career decision
Hutchison also spoke about Foden’s future after reports emerged that the England international is close to signing a new four-year contract at the Etihad Stadium.
According to reports, the midfielder is set to commit his long-term future to the club despite fierce competition for places.
However, Hutchison believes the 25-year-old may soon face a major career decision if he cannot regain a consistent place in Guardiola’s starting XI.
“For Phil Foden, it’s a question because, all right, you’re staying at Man City where you’re comfortable and you know the manager and you know the setup and it’s your team – but surely you want to go and play,” he said.
Hutchison suggested Foden could spend the next season fighting for his place before deciding whether to move elsewhere.
“His thought process has to be: ‘Right, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got for one year to play for Man City. If I’m not playing, then I’m going to move.'”
Should Foden decide to leave the Etihad, though, any club interested in signing Foden will likely have to pay a huge transfer fee to convince City to sell one of their academy stars.
