Manchester City have confirmed that Phil Foden has agreed to a fresh, long‑term deal with the club, securing his services until the close of the 2029‑30 season. The 26‑year‑old midfielder, whose previous contract was due to run out in the summer of 2025, used a club‑issued interview to explain how much the extension means to him. "Signing a new deal with City is absolutely everything to me," Foden said, his voice full of emotion. "Wearing this shirt has always been my ultimate ambition, and every time I step onto the pitch I feel a deep honour." He went on to reflect on the extraordinary period he has lived through at the Etihad, acknowledging the sheer number of trophies collected during his tenure.
"I’m fully aware how fortunate I am to have been part of such a historic era – we’ve lifted countless pieces of silverware – but the ambition never stops. We keep looking ahead, always hungry for more success." Foden thanked the club hierarchy, the coaching staff, his teammates and the supporters for their continued belief in him.
"I’m grateful to everyone who has trusted me and given me the chance to give my all for City. I hope I can repay that faith for many years to come," he added. He also expressed excitement about re‑uniting with Enzo Maresca, the former assistant coach who helped guide the team to the treble in 2023. "I can’t wait to work with Enzo again.
He was brilliant during that season – a figure the squad respected and loved. Having him back is incredibly exciting for me." Foden highlighted the personal growth he has experienced under City’s elite coaching environment and among a world‑class playing group. "Since breaking through, I’ve improved dramatically thanks to the coaches and the quality of the squad around me.
As the legends who were there when I arrived start to move on, I’m thrilled to embark on the next chapter of my career at this magnificent club," he concluded. Since his senior debut in a Champions League tie against Feyenoord on 21 November 2017, the academy graduate has amassed 369 first‑team appearances and found the net 110 times.
In the 2025‑26 campaign alone he featured in 50 matches, scoring ten goals and supplying seven assists. Alongside former teammates John Stones and Bernardo Silva – both of whom departed the Etihad over the summer – Foden now stands as the most decorated player in Manchester City’s history.
His trophy cabinet boasts twenty major honours, including six Premier League crowns, a UEFA Champions League triumph, three FA Cups, five League Cups, a UEFA Super Cup, a FIFA Club World Cup and three Community Shields. Sky Sports analyst Laura Hunter offered a measured perspective on the timing of the new contract. She noted that Foden’s recent form has been mixed, with flashes of brilliance interspersed with periods of inconsistency.
"He was a central figure in England’s Euro 2024 plans, yet his omission from the final squad was a disappointment. Pep Guardiola has repeatedly defended his quality, calling him a ‘top, top player’, but there have been doubts about his reliability in the biggest moments," Hunter wrote. Despite those concerns, Hunter argued that the extension makes strategic sense for City. With Bernardo Silva’s departure leaving a creative void in midfield and Guardiola’s own exit creating a managerial vacuum, the club needs a home‑grown talent who embodies the city’s identity and can act as a unifying presence on the pitch.
"Foden still possesses that cohesive power and the affection of the fans, thanks to his Mancunian roots and daring style of play," she observed. The onus now falls on Enzo Maresca, who knows Foden’s strengths and weaknesses intimately, to extract the full potential of the midfielder. The new contract signals that City view the coming years as the period when Foden could reach his peak, a calculated gamble that many believe is worth taking. Beyond the contract news, the transfer market continues to buzz with activity.
Notable moves include Elliot Anderson heading to Nottingham Forest for £116 million, Jeremy Monga joining Leicester City for £10 million, and Pierce Charles moving to Sheffield Wednesday for £3 million. Other transactions feature Mathys Detourbet’s undisclosed fee to Troyes, Manuel Akanji’s undisclosed deal with Inter, Nathan Ake’s £8.5 million switch to Fenerbahçe, Reigan Heskey’s £6 million transfer to Cologne, and Luca Fletcher’s undisclosed move to Ipswich. Bernardo Silva has left for Real Madrid on a free transfer, while John Stones was released. The announcement also promoted a promotional offer: fans can play the Super 6 game for a chance to win a £250,000 prize, with entry available at no cost.
In summary, Phil Foden’s new contract represents both a personal milestone and a strategic move for Manchester City as they look to rebuild and sustain their dominance in English and European football. The midfielder’s heartfelt words underscore his deep connection to the club, while analysts acknowledge the risks and rewards inherent in committing to a player whose recent performances have been uneven. With a fresh managerial team on the horizon and a renewed focus on midfield creativity, City hope that Foden will continue to evolve and help drive the next era of success at the Etihad Stadium.