Phil Foden signs new four-year Manchester City contract, expresses excitement for Enzo Maresca reunion
Phil Foden has committed his future to Manchester City, signing a new four-year contract that includes an additional 12-month option, extending his stay until 2030. The 26-year-old forward expressed his eagerness to continue his career at his boyhood club and looks forward to working again with new manager Enzo Maresca.
Foden stated that committing his future to City means everything to him, emphasizing his long-standing desire to play for the club. He acknowledged being part of a historic period with numerous titles and expressed a continuous ambition to win more. He thanked the club, staff, teammates, and fans for their support, hoping to repay their faith for years to come.
The new deal follows a period where Foden’s starting place under former manager Pep Guardiola was reduced, and he was not included in Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad. His form had reportedly dipped since his key role in City’s 2023-24 title success, where he won the Football Writers’ Association and Professional Footballers’ Association player of the year awards.
Reuniting with Maresca
Foden highlighted his excitement about reuniting with Maresca, who served as Guardiola’s assistant during City’s 2022-23 treble-winning season. He described Maresca as brilliant during that period, someone all the players respected and enjoyed working with. Foden believes Maresca’s playing style, which emphasizes playing out from the back and possession-based football, will suit his game and help him advance to the next stage of his career.
Maresca, a former City academy manager, was chosen as Guardiola’s replacement after the latter’s departure at the end of last season. Foden noted that Maresca had a significant impact during his previous season with the senior side, a period during which Foden saw a notable increase in his goal contributions. This progression continued into the 2023-24 campaign, where he recorded 19 goals and eight assists, earning him the Premier League Player of the Season award.
With John Stones and Bernardo Silva having left the club, Foden is now Manchester City’s most decorated player, holding 17 major honors. His extensive trophy collection includes six Premier Leagues, one Champions League, three FA Cups, five League Cups, one UEFA Super Cup, and one Club World Cup.
Club’s Vision for Foden
Hugo Viana, Manchester City’s director of football, expressed immense pride in Foden, calling him a unique talent whose creativity is a joy to watch. Viana emphasized that Foden’s achievements are a result of his focus, dedication, humility, and willingness to absorb knowledge from coaches and teammates. Foden joined City as an eight-year-old and has spent his entire career with the club.
Viana also noted that Foden’s development is still ongoing at 26 years old, and the club anticipates seeing his continued growth in the coming years. The new contract signifies the strong belief of both Maresca and Viana that Foden can regain his top form.
Foden’s recent challenges included starting only two league games after a 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest on March 4 last season, and being substituted after 58 minutes in the 2-1 FA Cup final victory over Southampton. He also revealed struggles with off-field issues and played with pain from an ankle problem sustained in a goalless draw at Manchester United in April, following a tackle from Casemiro. After the 2025 FA Cup 1-0 final defeat by Crystal Palace, Foden confirmed these personal difficulties.
Foden expressed disbelief at the length of his tenure at City, stating it was always his dream to make it to the first team, but to stay this long is truly a dream. He looks forward to the next phase of his career at the club.
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Source: theguardian.com
