(Credit: Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Sun 5 April 2026 13:30, UK

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Phil Foden has been told he must step up his performances to help fill the void left by Bernardo Silva when he departs Manchester City this summer.

Silva’s contract is currently set to run until the end of the season, when he will be allowed to leave on a free transfer amid interest from European giants.

Foden, meanwhile, has dropped below expectations both for City and for England in recent weeks, leading to concerns about his own future at the Etihad.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Pep Guardiola will be looking to the 25-year-old as an option to ease the burden of Silva’s absence.

However, with concerns growing about his recent form and the midfielder having dropped out of the starting XI, Man City are increasingly concerned about his future.

Phil Foden frustrated as Man City demands add up

Brown told Football Insider on 25 March that Foden is frustrated at Man City after his lack of involvement in the Carabao Cup final and could be tempted to leave.

His playing time is likely to be boosted in the event of Silva’s departure, but the weight of expectation could rise as it did after Kevin De Bruyne’s exit.

City will likely look to Foden among a number of candidates to fill in when Silva moves on, as the Portugal international remains a key part of the way they play.

“It looks like Silva will be leaving Man City,” Brown told Football Insider.

“But he plays such an important role in their team and it’s going to be very difficult to replace a player like that in the transfer market.

“He offers them so much not just going forward but he’s also a connecting player in midfield, he picks the ball up deep and progresses it, and he can play wide too.

“If you’re looking at City’s squad for players who could replace him immediately, Foden obviously stands out, but there are doubts about him at the moment.

“Man City want him to step up and he’ll have to prove he can play Silva’s role effectively and consistently if he is called upon to do so.

“The way he’s playing at the moment, they have their doubts and a few questions are being asked that he will have to answer.

“It was similar when De Bruyne left, everybody asked how they could replace him and all eyes were on Foden, but that hasn’t happened.

“From a City point of view, they need him to show he is capable of making that difference every week, otherwise you start to get the feeling they can’t trust him.”

What is the latest on Foden’s contract situation?

Amid the expectation that City are set to demand more from Foden’s performances in the coming weeks and into next season, doubts have emerged about his contract.

Football Insider revealed on 15 March that Foden’s contract talks with Man City have stalled amid suggestions he could be lured away from the club this summer.

His current deal is set to expire in 2027, leaving him with just one year remaining come the summer and leading to suggestions he could be allowed to move on.

City remain keen to tie him down to a new deal as they aim to protect their asset, but have not ruled out letting him go if the right offer arrives.

While the 25-year-old is not expected to actively push for a move away, there is a growing feeling he could be tempted to move on in search of playing time.