Manchester City are preparing to offer Phil Foden a contract extension, according to a report from The Times, despite the midfielder enduring a significant dip in form over the past 18 months. The 25-year-old, whose current deal expires in 2027, is set to enter preliminary talks over fresh terms as the club seeks to secure the future of a player they still consider a cornerstone of their project.
This decision comes amid a challenging period for Foden, who was named the Premier League Player of the Season in 2024 but has since found himself increasingly relegated to a substitute role under manager Pep Guardiola. Although he enjoyed a prolific spell of six goals in four league games between November and December last year, he has failed to score in his subsequent 24 appearances for City. He was an unused substitute in three of the club's last nine matches and did not feature at all in their recent Champions League tie against Real Madrid.
Nevertheless, senior figures at the Etihad Stadium remain staunchly supportive of the Stockport-born academy graduate. The Times report describes Foden as "the jewel in the club’s crown" and a player with significant credit built up from his role in six Premier League title wins under Guardiola. The club's hierarchy reportedly believes his talent is too great for his current level of performance to persist indefinitely and retains full faith in his ability to recapture his best form.
Guardiola himself addressed Foden's situation after City's FA Cup semi-final victory over Southampton, stating simply that "it is a question of time when Phil will be back." The manager's own future at the club remains uncertain beyond this summer, adding another layer of complexity to the long-term planning. Securing Foden's commitment is viewed as a priority irrespective of the managerial situation.
The proposed extension represents a show of faith from City in a homegrown talent during a professional trough. For Foden, it offers stability and a clear signal that he remains central to the club's plans despite his recent bench role. The move prevents his contract from entering its final two years, warding off potential suitors and allowing the player to focus on reclaiming a starting berth without transfer speculation adding to the pressure.
Foden's journey from local academy star to multiple title-winner had previously seemed a seamless ascent, making his recent struggles more pronounced. City's willingness to negotiate a new deal at this juncture underscores their long-term vision and their belief that his quality will ultimately prevail, ensuring one of England's most gifted technical players remains at the heart of their project for the foreseeable future.
