Sam Lee of The Athletic reports this week that Manchester City still intend to offer Phil Foden a new contract. This comes even as the 25-year-old Stockport-born midfielder hits one of the toughest stretches of his career. While those inside the club feel a renewal is virtually inevitable, the negotiations carry real complexity. Foden’s output has hit a wall: he has managed zero goals and just one assist across his last 17 games this season, after previously racking up ten goals and five assists.
Phil Foden Contract: Manchester City Still Set to Offer New Deal Despite Alarming Form Slump
Foden joined City’s academy at just nine years old and built a massive reputation over 357 appearances and 110 goals. Along the way, he picked up six Premier League titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups, and four League Cups. Guardiola has publicly called him world-class and, as recently as December 2025, made it clear the club wanted him to stay for the long haul.
But since the winter window, the situation has shifted. Summer signing Rayan Cherki has secured the number-10 role with 20 direct goal involvements, effectively pushing Foden to the periphery. The contract status adds further significance to a difficult situation. The club hierarchy, led by director of football Hugo Viana, will look for a return to consistency before finalising any long-term renewal.
Thomas Tuchel’s England selections for the North America World Cup increase the pressure, as Foden now faces genuine competition for a squad place that once looked guaranteed. Barcelona have reportedly registered an interest in a potential move ahead of the 2026–27 season. Even though City still view him as untouchable, Foden must improve his form before an extended deal makes clean financial sense.
Man City will make a move for Englishman depending on the future of Rodri
Can City Responsibly Anchor Their Rebuild Around a Misfiring Foden Right Now?
City trail Arsenal in the title race and need every player to produce consistently. Foden’s close control, movement between the lines, and decisive finishing make him special in form, but his inconsistency since December exposes a recurring fragility. Renewing carries emotional logic; however, constructing a post-Guardiola identity squarely around him, without firm performance benchmarks, remains a significant risk.
