Foden out of form, but not out of favour at City

Phil Foden does not quite look like himself, and hasn’t for a while.

The sharpness, the influence, the numbers: all have dipped. Over the past two seasons, the Manchester City forward has struggled to match the standards he once set when he was among the most decisive players in the Premier League. And yet, there is no talk of an exit.

Quite the opposite.

City remain fully committed to Foden, viewing him as a central figure for the future. With his contract entering its final stretch, the club have already moved to secure it, offering a new deal running until 2030, with an option for a further year.

It is, in many ways, a show of faith.

Despite modest returns by his own standards - 10 goals and five assists this season, similar to last - the club are backing the player they believe he still is. Not the one seen in recent months, but the one who, in 2023/24, delivered 27 goals and 13 assists across all competitions.

That version has not disappeared. At least, that is the belief at the Etihad.

Foden, a product of the club since the age of nine, is more than just form and numbers. He is part of the identity, part of the long-term vision, and that carries weight.

Nothing has been signed yet, but an agreement in principle is in place. For City, the message is clear: this is not the end of a cycle. It is an investment in the hope that their homegrown star will rediscover his best - and soon.

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