21-year-old Man City midfielder wanted by Xavi at Barcelona – report

Barcelona are close to completing a successful raid on Premier League champions Manchester City for the signing of Ferran Torres.

The 21-year-old is expected to complete his €55 million move to Camp Nou sometime next week, handing the Blaugrana a major boost in their bid to strengthen the frontline.

With the signing almost over the line, Barcelona are now being linked with a move for another Manchester City player. Indeed, according to El Nacional, the Catalan heavyweights have their sights on midfield prodigy Phil Foden, with manager Xavi Hernandez keen on the Englishman.

The 21-year-old came through the youth ranks at Manchester City and made his senior breakthrough under Pep Guardiola in 2017, aged just 17. Since then, the versatile attacking midfielder has evolved into a key part of the team and one of the most exciting young footballers in Europe.

Foden, to date, has racked up 37 goals and 28 assists from 142 matches for the Premier League champions. While he is an attack-minded midfielder primarily, Guardiola has used him on the flanks regularly or even as a false nine, and the youngster has delivered every time.

Now, as per the report mentioned above, the England international has found himself a huge admirer in Barcelona boss Xavi. The 41-year-old is believed to have asked club president Joan Laporta to explore the possibility of a move for Foden, who has been likened to Barcelona legend, Andres Iniesta.

Foden has been in and out of the side this season due to the wealth of attacking options at Guardiola’s disposal. The English ace has started only nine league games so far.

Despite that, he remains a crucial part of the team and there is no scenario where either the manager or Manchester City would consider parting ways with the academy graduate, who is seen as the present and the future of the team.

So, while Xavi may be interested in the Stockport-born starlet, the chances of Barcelona signing him anytime in the near future are non-existent as things stand.