Playmaker Phil Foden is writing his place in the Manchester City history books - but his career could have gone in a completely different direction with a move to Aberdeen.
Times have rapidly changed for the England cap since a move to Pittodrie was on the cards and he joined Erling Haaland in netting a hat-trick during the 6-3 demolition of Manchester United on derby day. He has enjoyed a remarkable rise in under Pep Guardiola as Foden's second goal just before half-time took his City goal tally to 50, all of which have been scored under the tutelage of the former Barcelona gaffer - but he could have picked up some knowledge working under Derek McInnes in the Granite City.
Aged 18, Foden was assessing his options of a loan move away from the Etihad Stadium to ramp up his game time with clubs lining up from the English lower leagues, as well as Aberdeen launching an ambitious bid to land the Manchester City starlet. In the summer of 2018 clubs were desperate to snap up the prospect, who have become the youngest English player to play in the Champions League in the previous season.
However, the move to the Scottish Premiership failed to materialise with Foden opting to stick it out at City rather than leave on loan. And he has clearly been rewarded with the boyhood City fan writing his name in the annals of club history with his derby day hat-trick.
Sam Cosgrove would have looked to form a formidable partnership with Foden had the deal gone through, with the Dons finishing fourth during the 2018-19 campaign. The club also finished as runners-up in the League Cup, with Ryan Christie securing the trophy for Celtic.
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