Transfer rumors, news: Could Foden leave Man City this summer?

Manchester City’s homegrown playmaker Phil Foden has emerged as one of the summer window’s most surprising potential departures, with Football Insider reporting that the 25-year-old is open to a move if contract talks stall. Foden, who has started only once in City’s last five matches across all competitions, has grown increasingly frustrated by a lack of consistent minutes under Pep Guardiola and is prepared to listen to offers from leading European sides should negotiations over an extension break down.

The development marks a stark reversal from earlier in the campaign, when Foden appeared reborn in a central creative role. ESPN’s latest squad importance index now ranks him 11th among City players, noting that summer arrival Rayan Cherki has moved ahead of the England international in the selection order. Guardiola’s recent preference for more physical midfield profiles has left Foden on the periphery, and sources close to the player say a definitive resolution is expected before the market opens.

City officials remain hopeful of agreeing fresh terms with the academy graduate, yet the clock is ticking. Several elite European clubs are monitoring the situation and could pounce if Foden becomes available, transforming what once seemed an unthinkable exit into a genuine possibility.

Elsewhere on the continent, Atlético Madrid are moving swiftly to fend off Arsenal and Barcelona by tabling a €10 million-a-season proposal for Julián Álvarez. The package would make the Argentine the highest earner at the Wanda Metropolitano and the designated successor to outgoing star Antoine Griezmann, with club hierarchy increasingly confident the 26-year-old will commit.

Chelsea have set their sights on AC Milan defender Strahinja Pavlovic, with contact already made and a fee of at least €40 million anticipated. Manchester United, meanwhile, have identified Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali as their primary midfield target ahead of next season, with captain Bruno Fernandes reportedly endorsing the pursuit.

Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde is attracting strong Premier League interest, as Manchester City, Manchester United and Aston Villa have all inquired about the 22-year-old left-back. Although Balde prefers to remain at Spotify Camp Nou, Barça would consider a substantial bid for the Spain international, who is under contract until 2028.

Additional moves gathering traction include Lyon attempting to lure Real Madrid midfielder Caroline Weir on a free, Al Ittihad reviving efforts to sign Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, and Inter Miami, LA Galaxy and Al Ittihad exploring a no-fee deal for Manchester United’s Casemiro. Barcelona are also open to offers for Ferran Torres as they plot a forward-line overhaul, while Real Madrid retain a buy-back clause complicating Osasuna winger Victor Munoz’s potential switch to the Catalan giants.