Man City make Foden and Silva contract decisions as replacement talks start

Manchester City have made two contrasting decisions on the futures of key stars Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden.

The Cityzens are putting plans in place for what is likely to be a massive summer. With Pep Guardiola’s future shrouded in uncertainty, Man City could be set for a gigantic overhaul after this season.

Faced with the potential loss of their legendary manager, several players may decide that it is time for a new challenge elsewhere. Superstar midfielder Rodri falls into that category, as do John Stones and Nathan Ake.

The long-term future of homegrown superstar Phil Foden also needs to be addressed. Under contract until 2027, he has struggled for consistent form this season. The England ace, who is still only 25, has become a bit of a “problem” for Man City, according to The Athletic.

Nevertheless, Man City are determined to make him the face of the project, alongside Erling Haaland. They plan to hand Foden a new deal – as revealed by FootballTransfers in September – but there is an acknowledgement that his lack of form complicates the matter.

Man City to move on from Silva

Bernardo Silva sits on the other end of the spectrum. Though he has at times shown his age this season, he remains a vital part of Guardiola’s team and has produced consistently impressive performances that have gone somewhat under the radar.

Despite this, Man City are likely to move on from their captain in the summer. His deal expires at the end of the season, and Matteo Moretto reports that there have been no contract talks whatsoever with the 31-year-old.

The Portuguese will become a free agent and seek a new challenge elsewhere. He has been linked with a return to Benfica, while Juventus are also long-standing admirers.

Succession planning is in full swing at the Etihad, with reports in Paraguay revealing earlier this week that Brighton midfielder Diego Gomez has been earmarked as a potential replacement for Silva. Initial talks are said to have already taken place.

The young Paraguay international, who can play in central midfield and out wide, has scored a very impressive 10 goals this season – albeit five of his goals came in two games against EFL opposition in the Carabao Cup.

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