Contract extension confirmed
Manchester City confirmed on 22 July 2026 that Phil Foden had signed a new four-year contract tying him to the club until the summer of 2030, with an option for an additional 12 months. His previous deal was due to expire next summer, and the extension resolves a key squad matter as City enters a period of major change following Pep Guardiola's departure. Foden, who joined the academy at eight, will see his association with the club last more than two decades. His weekly salary rises to £250,000, and agent Rafaela Pimenta negotiated the terms.[S6][S3][S4][S2]
Foden expressed his commitment, stating: 'Committing my future to City means everything to me. Playing for this club is all I've ever wanted to do and it's always an honour to wear the shirt.' He added that he is always looking to the future and trying to win more, and thanked the club, staff, teammates, and fans for their faith, hoping to repay them for years to come. He said he 'can't wait to work with Enzo again' and described Maresca's role during the treble-winning 2022-23 season as brilliant.[S1][S2][S3][S5]
From academy to club legend
Foden joined City's academy at age eight and made his senior debut on 21 November 2017 in a Champions League match against Feyenoord under Pep Guardiola. He has since made 369 appearances, scoring 110 goals and registering 68 assists, placing him among the top 25 appearance makers in club history. He is City's most decorated player with 17 major honours, including six Premier League titles, one Champions League, and two FA Cups.[S3][S1][S2][S5][S6]
Foden's versatility has been a key asset, allowing him to operate on both wings, as an attacking midfielder, or deeper. This adaptability was crucial in Guardiola's system. However, last season the pacier options of Jeremy Doku and Antoine Semenyo fed striker Erling Haaland from out wide, with Rayan Cherki often preferred as playmaker. Consequently, Foden occasionally operated deeper, limiting his scoring and assist opportunities.[S1]
After a career-best season in 2023-24, when he scored 27 goals and 12 assists and was named Footballer of the Year by the FWA and PFA, his form declined. Last season he scored 10 goals and had 7 assists in 50 appearances. He was left out of Thomas Tuchel's England World Cup squad after a difficult campaign. Foden has suffered different physical ailments and discussed the mental toll. The PFA said he had been a 'victim' of football's packed fixture schedule.[S1][S2][S5][S4]
New chapter begins
With Pep Guardiola's decade-long reign ending in May, City enter a new phase under Enzo Maresca. Foden is expected to play a key role as Maresca builds his own side. Hugo Viana, director of football, called him 'a unique talent' and praised his creativity, focus, dedication and humility. Foden said he is excited for the next phase of his career at this great club and that he has improved from working with coaches and world-class squad.[S3][S5]
The contract extension underscores City's belief that Foden can regain his best form. Pre-season starts with trips to Hong Kong and Seoul, where City face Inter Milan, K-League All Stars and Atletico Madrid. Since City sent more players to the World Cup than any other club, Foden will be one of relatively few first-team players available for Maresca, giving him a head start on teammates. Foden looks to put problems behind him.[S4]
