Unfortunately for Phil Foden, 2026 hasn’t gone to plan for the England international. After a strong beginning to the 2025-26 season, Phil Foden’s form has severely tapered off. It does seem that Foden needs a confidence boost on the pitch, whether that comes via a goal or a game-breaking moment. What isn’t and has never been in doubt is that Manchester City will be patient with Phil Foden. He means too much to the club given his rise through Manchester City’s academy to become a vital component of Pep Guardiola’s side. A new report indicates that City are prepared to offer Foden a contract extension while they are supporting Foden through the first major funk of his career.
Manchester City have begun talks with Phil Foden over a contract extension.
Paul Hirst has reported for The Times that Manchester City have begun preliminary talks with Phil Foden about extending his contract with the club. Furthermore, Hirst reports that Foden’s current contract is set to expire at the end of the 2026-27 season. It is also included in Paul Hirst’s report that the Manchester City hierarchy are throwing their support behind Foden as he endures the toughest phase of his career in terms of performance. It is also reported by Paul Hirst that Pep Guardiola is backing Foden to return to his dazzling best in time.
At some point, Phil Foden will return to his best.
Phil Foden is too good a player not to return to his best. As Paul Hirst also reports, an ankle injury and off-field issues hindered Foden last season. Whether or not any of those issues have contributed to Foden’s drop in form this season isn’t immediately clear. However, what isn’t in doubt is Foden’s class as a player. Form is temporary, and class is permanent. Phil Foden embodies this statement. You don’t have to look back too far to see that Foden’s best form is there somewhere.
Phil Foden was superb to start the 2025-26 season. Up until December, he was a key part of this Manchester City. The energy and verve that encapsulated Foden at his best was clear to see in his play. Foden was also playing in a midfield role at the time and that role did seem to suit Foden’s game. Outside of all of that, Phil Foden’s early season form shows that he is capable of returning to his best. It is just a matter of when that will occur.
Everyone associated with Manchester City wants to see Phil Foden back to his best. At some point, that will occur. There is no set timeline for when Foden will be back dominating matches. What is clear is that the Manchester City hierarchy has thrown its arms around Foden. He deserves that, and in time, Manchester City’s faith in Phil Foden will be repaid by a player who holds a special place at the club.
