There was a time you would have panicked at seeing Phil Foden standing up as a substitute on the sidelines for Manchester City.
A precious talent, a successor to David Silva, a clear sign of the club’s golden future. It has not quite turned out that way. The academy graduate’s star has been rather low on the horizon since he won the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season in 2024.
But last week he signed a new contract at the club until 2030, an indication of support from the decision makers at City, and the question now is what the future holds for the 26-year-old in those next four years.
Foden has struggled over the past two seasons. He is without a goal in his last 31 matches. He doesn’t even play for England anymore, not since last year when he said he needed “a few weeks off” football to recover physically and mentally.
“It’s been a frustrating season for me,” he said at the end of the 2024-25 season. “I’ve had a lot of things going on off the pitch mentally. Sometimes there are things in life that are bigger than football. I’ve struggled a little bit.”
However, with City clearly believing in him – they gave him a four-year contract – and a new era unfolding at the club with the arrival of Enzo Maresca to replace Pep Guardiola, Foden has the chance to start afresh.
After signing the contract, Foden said: “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.
“It’s not lost on me that I’ve been lucky enough to be part of a historic period with so many titles won, but we’re always looking to the future and trying to win more.
He added: “Personally, I know I’ve improved so much from working with our coaches and world-class squad. I am excited for the next phase of my career at this great club.”
Shooting practice with Phil 🎯😮💨 pic.twitter.com/SqA20a0uVY
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 24, 2026
Foden ‘relaxed’ and ready to be ‘the best version of me’
Foden said signing an agreement to remain for four more years has removed uncertainty and increased his determination to justify the club’s faith in him.
“It has made me feel relaxed and I can just concentrate on being the best version of me and give back to the football club for them trusting in me,” said Foden. “It is nice to see the support from the club and obviously it means a lot. It’s about time I try and repay them and give back to the club.”
On Maresca, who he worked with while the former was Guardiola’s assistant during the 2022-23 season, Foden said: “A fresh start, a new manager and up to now, really enjoying it. It is very strange but I know Enzo from before, so that also helps.
“I know him quite well and what [he] is about. That has definitely helped, to have that relationship with him.”
He said Maresca contacted him after he was left out of England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. “He reached out just after to see if it was OK, which was very nice of him, to show us this character and the person he is,” said Foden. “He cares about everyone and wants to have a good relationship with the team.”
Maresca has also backed Foden to rediscover his form. “Phil is very important, like the rest,” he said. “Knowing Phil from years ago, I know how good he is. It is my duty to help him be the Phil we all want. First of all, to be happy and enjoy football is most important. If he feels good, he can help us win titles.”
