Contrary to many rumors last season about leaving the Etihad stadium, Phil Foden has signed an additional 4-year contract extension with Man City and is on the club's list to go on a summer tour in China.
Last season was very difficult for Foden when he lost his position in attack due to serious decline in form. At the end of last season, the English striker suffered an injury and could not recover in time, from which he always had to play in an imperfect state last season.
The peak of disappointment was when Phil Foden was not called up by coach Thomas Tuchel to the England national team to participate in the 2026 World Cup, along with Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Understanding that Foden's psychology was in a bad state, as soon as he took office, new captain Enzo Maresca called his student.
With Maresca, besides finding suitable new signings, restoring form for key players like Foden is equally important in the pre-season period. The former Chelsea captain believes that is his special responsibility. Foden has had 2 particularly outstanding seasons, 2022-23 and 2023-24. He has contributed to helping the team win the first Champions League and the 4th consecutive Premier League title. As long as Maresca restores form for Foden like those 2 seasons, he has considered having another quality transfer blockbuster to conquer the next season.
Last season, instead of positions in the attack (beyond the center forward), Foden was tested for a deep-back role in some midfield matches. Therefore, in the pre-season period, there were times when Maresca let Foden play freely, helping this striker gain more experience in the new position. The 26-year-old star is showing great comfort because he is free to explore more positions for himself, and can adapt to many types of tactics set out by Maresca.
Foden's form in the last 2 seasons has not been good, but Man City still decided to extend his contract for another 4 years. This proves the great belief the Etihad club places in the English star. When discussing the player's future with his agents this summer, Football Director Hugo Viana affirmed that Phil Foden, Josko Gvardiol and Erling Haaland are key players of the team in the coming period.
Foden is one of the most loved players at the Etihad stadium because he grew up from the team's training academy, joining when he was only 6 years old. Although young, Foden has won 19 titles with Man City, including ultimate glory such as the UEFA Champions League. Sharing during the tour in China, Foden also said he never intended to leave Man City.
Although no longer a young talented player, but at the peak of his career, Foden clearly shows his determination to go another stage of success with Man City. More than that, this team is still a launching pad good enough for him to return to the national team, first of all the Nations League 2026-27 campaign and further EURO 2028.
