‘A lot can change’ – Man City player warned against signing contract for ‘ridiculous money’

Phil Foden is set to sign a six-year deal worth £200k-per-week as Raheem Sterling closes in on a move to Manchester City, so it appears the club are backing Foden to take his place next season.

After scoring 14 goals with 11 assists from 45 games last season and being named PFA Young Player of the Year, Foden is deserving of an improved contract. Tony Cascarino believes he should be careful signing a long-term deal, however, as wages are likely to go up in a few years.

He told talkSPORT’s Weekend Sports Breakfast: “It was always coming because he is a terrific young player with an immense amount of talent. The interesting thing for me is that it’s a six year deal.

“The free transfer scenario they are trying to avoid. It’s a long time to sign a contract for a footballer. An awful lot can change. Not many want to got to five. Most players go to four, when you are a certain age, because you know wages can go past you fairly quickly.

“We are talking about ridiculous amounts of money, but even in that world, £200,000-a-week people might be saying ‘why did he sign that deal’, when in four years’ time £400,000-a-week might be the amount.”

Foden has made 167 appearances in all competitions, scoring 45 goals with 33 assists. The 22-year-old, who’s had a hand in eight goals from 16 appearances for the England national team, is now a regular in the first-team and has been producing enough on the pitch to suggest he can replace Sterling.

Foden scored 16 goals with 10 assists from 50 games in 2020/21 while Sterling scored 14 goals with 12 assists from 49 games. And in 2021/22, Foden had a hand in 25 goals to Sterling’s 26, so the improved deal as reward for his form seems fair.

In other news, Pep Guardiola tipped to drop Man City signing for ‘outstanding’ 26 y/o next season