Phil Foden Agrees New Four-Year Manchester City Deal Until 2030

Key facts

• Phil Foden, 25, has agreed in principle to a new four-year contract with Manchester City, running until 2030 with an option for an additional year.
• His current deal was set to expire in June 2027.
• Foden has made 365 senior appearances for City since his debut at age 17, scoring 110 goals and providing 66 assists.
• He has won six Premier League titles, one Champions League, two FA Cups, and five Carabao Cups with City.
• This season, Foden has scored 10 goals and provided 5 assists in 46 appearances across all competitions.
• His last goal for City came on December 14, and he has not scored since.
• Foden came on as a substitute in City's 3-3 draw at Everton on May 5, 2026, leaving them five points behind Arsenal with a game in hand.
• England manager Thomas Tuchel has said Foden's place in the World Cup squad is not guaranteed.

A Commitment Amidst a Dip in Form

Phil Foden has reached an agreement in principle with Manchester City on a new four-year contract, tying him to the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2030, with an option to extend by a further 12 months. The 25-year-old England midfielder's existing terms were due to expire in June 2027, but both parties have moved to secure his long-term future despite a challenging season. The deal, negotiated by leading agent Rafaela Pimenta, signals a show of faith from the club in a player who has been a symbol of their academy success. Foden's recent form, however, has been a concern. He has not scored since December 14 and has lost his place as a regular starter under Pep Guardiola. In City's thrilling 3-3 draw at Everton on May 5, he was introduced as a substitute, a role that has become increasingly familiar. The result leaves City five points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal, albeit with a game in hand.

From Academy Prodigy to First-Team Stalwart

Foden joined City's under-nine side and made his first-team debut at 17 in 2017, handed his opportunity by Guardiola. Since then, he has amassed 365 senior appearances, scoring 110 goals and providing 66 assists. His trophy haul is formidable: six Premier League titles, one Champions League, two FA Cups, and five Carabao Cups. In the 2023/24 season, he reached his career peak, winning both the Premier League Player of the Season and the PFA Players' Player of the Year awards. This season, however, his output has dropped. In 46 games across all competitions, he has managed 10 goals and 5 assists — a significant decline from his best. His struggles have been compounded by off-field issues that have affected his performances over the past two seasons, though City have publicly supported him throughout.

A Complicated Descent in the Pecking Order

Foden's diminished role has sparked debate about his place in Guardiola's system. Former Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney has argued that Foden must play every game, saying on the BBC's Wayne Rooney Show: 'I think you have to put him in the team. I love watching him play, I love his little movements, how he gets into the pockets of space. It's not nice watching him sitting on the bench.' Rooney acknowledged that Foden has had bad moments but insisted that a player of his quality needs to be kept on the pitch. Guardiola's tactical choices have seen the likes of Jeremy Doku and Antoine Semenyo preferred, offering pace and defensive solidity. Rooney speculated that Guardiola may want more defensive help, a factor that could explain Foden's reduced minutes. The midfielder's role has become a puzzle: is he a central playmaker, a winger, or a luxury player in a system that demands balance?

World Cup Hopes Under Tuchel's Scrutiny

Foden's form has also raised questions about his inclusion in England's squad for this summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Manager Thomas Tuchel, who named Foden in his final camp before the tournament, has warned that the midfielder's place is not guaranteed. Foden started both of England's games in that camp but disappointed, who has since expressed doubts. Foden played in England's November World Cup qualifiers and both March friendlies, but his recent performances have not helped his cause. With the tournament approaching, he will need to regain his form and secure regular minutes at City to convince Tuchel he deserves a spot.

City's Bet on a Return to Form

The new contract represents a calculated gamble by City. The club has previously shown patience with struggling players, as they did with John Stones during his difficult seasons. In Stones' case, they waited until the final year of his contract before deciding on his future; he then rediscovered his form and earned a new deal. With Foden, City have chosen to act early, extending his deal while his value is uncertain. Foden's importance to the club extends beyond his on-field contributions. He is a homegrown player, a product of the academy, and a symbol of City's identity. The decision to offer a new contract, despite his recent struggles, underscores the club's belief that he can return to his best. The coming months will determine whether that faith is rewarded.

What Comes Next for Foden and City

The formalities of the contract are expected to be completed in due course, with both parties eager to finalise the extension. For Foden, the immediate priority is to reclaim his place in Guardiola's starting lineup and contribute to City's push for the Premier League title. With five points to make up on Arsenal and a game in hand, every match is crucial. Beyond the domestic campaign, the World Cup looms. Foden must prove to Tuchel that he is indispensable. The new contract provides security but also raises expectations. If he can rediscover the form that made him England's brightest talent, the deal will be seen as a masterstroke. If not, it may become a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in elite football.

The bottom line

• Phil Foden has agreed a new four-year contract with Manchester City until 2030, with an option for a further year, despite a dip in form this season.
• Foden has not scored since December 14 and has lost his regular starting place under Pep Guardiola.
• He has made 365 senior appearances for City, scoring 110 goals and providing 66 assists, and has won six Premier League titles, one Champions League, two FA Cups, and five Carabao Cups.
• England manager Thomas Tuchel has cast doubt on Foden's inclusion in the World Cup squad after disappointing performances in the last international break.
• City's decision to extend Foden's contract early reflects their faith in his ability to return to his best, similar to their patience with John Stones in the past.
• Foden's role in Guardiola's system and his place in the England squad remain open questions as the season reaches its climax.