MANCHESTER: Phil Foden admits Manchester City have had to undergo a major overhaul, spending almost 300 million pounds to restore the club’s dominance on the domestic and European stages.
City have already signed 10 new players in two transfer windows, including Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders who have been the main targets this summer.
This reshuffle comes after a poor performance last season which saw them fall 13 points behind Liverpool, who emerged as champions of the English Premier League.
“At some point, any club needs change and new players. This signing was necessary and the players who came in were all of high quality,” said Foden.
This summer saw several key players such as Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker leave the club, paving the way for players like Foden to take on more responsibility.
“I won’t try to copy what Kev did. Everyone knows his contribution is incredible. But I want to get back to the best level like when I won Player of the Year last season,” he said.
Foden, who returned to prominence in the Club World Cup with a stunning goal against Al Hilal, is determined to lead City’s comeback this season.
At the same time, a new player, Vitor Reis, will be loaned to Girona, while several other players are expected to leave the Etihad before the transfer window closes at the end of this month.
City manager Pep Guardiola currently has 26 players in main training, with three more injured ahead of Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Palermo.
Among those returning to training is Rodri, who previously suffered a groin injury during the Club World Cup in Orlando.