‘This means everything to me’ – Foden signs new Man City contract

Phil Foden’s decision to extend his Manchester City stay until 2030 is more than a contract renewal—it’s a declaration of intent. The 26-year-old, whose previous deal was set to expire next summer, has committed his future to the club that has defined his career, signing a four-year extension that binds him to the Etihad Stadium through the end of the decade. The announcement arrives at a pivotal moment for City, as they transition from Pep Guardiola’s 10-year tenure to a new era under Enzo Maresca, and for Foden himself, who endured a turbulent 2025-26 season that culminated in his omission from England’s World Cup squad.

Why this deal matters now

Foden’s contract extension arrives amid a summer of flux at City. The club has already completed a £116m capture of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, a deal that underscores their ambition to refresh the squad while retaining their core. Anderson’s move follows a World Cup where England’s squad selection became a flashpoint, with Foden among those left behind—a decision that cast a shadow over his final months under Guardiola. His exclusion from Thomas Tuchel’s tournament squad was framed by the PFA as a “victim” of changing tactical demands, a narrative Foden appears determined to rewrite under Maresca.

For City, the timing is strategic. With John Stones and Bernardo Silva departing this summer, Foden—now the club’s most decorated player alongside Silva—becomes a central figure in the next chapter. His loyalty contrasts with the departures of key figures, reinforcing the message that stability, not just ambition, remains a priority. The deal also reflects Maresca’s influence; the Italian, who worked closely with Foden during the Treble-winning 2022-23 season, is positioned to reignite the midfielder’s form after a period where his role in the team evolved.

The personal stakes for Foden

Foden’s words carry the weight of someone who has spent his entire adult life at City, joining the academy at nine years old. His contract announcement is framed as a personal milestone: “Committing my future to City means everything to me,” he said. “Playing for this club is all I’ve ever wanted to do and it’s always an honour to wear the shirt.” The sentiment is underscored by his record: 369 appearances, 110 goals, and 20 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League.

Yet the past two seasons have tested his resolve. After a career-best 2023-24 campaign—27 goals and 12 assists—Foden’s output dipped as City’s system adapted. Jeremy Doku and Antoine Semenyo’s arrival, alongside Rayan Cherki’s rise, shifted the dynamics in attack, often positioning Foden deeper. The result was a drop in his goal contributions: seven goals and five assists in 33 Premier League games last season, followed by seven goals and two assists in 28 the year before. His exclusion from England’s World Cup squad, where he made just 23 Premier League starts, was a stark reminder of the scrutiny he faces.

Under Maresca, Foden now has the chance to reclaim his status as City’s creative fulcrum. The Italian’s return as first-team coach—where he served as Guardiola’s assistant during the Treble season—offers familiarity and a clear pathway to rediscovering his best form. “I can’t wait to work with Enzo again,” Foden said. “He was brilliant during the Treble season—someone all the players respected and loved working with.” The endorsement from City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, further cements his role as a cornerstone: “His creativity is a joy to watch, and his continued success is celebrated in every corner of our club.”

What comes next for City and Foden

City’s summer business has been defined by both renewal and reinvention. The Anderson deal highlights their willingness to invest in young talent, while Foden’s extension ensures continuity in a squad undergoing transition. The club’s focus now turns to how Maresca reshapes the team, with Foden poised to be the link between the Guardiola era and whatever emerges under his successor.

For Foden, the challenge is twofold: to silence doubts about his form and to prove he can thrive in a new system. His contract extension suggests the club believes in his ability to adapt, but the proof will be in his performances. With City chasing further domestic and European success, Foden’s role as a leader—both on and off the pitch—will be critical. As he enters the next phase of his career, his message is clear: this is not just a contract, but a commitment to write the next chapter of his legacy at City.

In an era where loyalty is often secondary to ambition, Foden’s decision to stay is a statement of substance. For City, it’s a gamble on a player who has already delivered more than most could dream—but who now faces the chance to define a new era on his own terms.