Foden Set to Pen New City Deal as Atletico Madrid Speculation Laid to Rest

Phil Foden's uncertain future at Manchester City appears to have been settled, with the playmaker poised to sign fresh terms that will keep him at the Etihad until 2030.

Respected journalist David Ornstein has confirmed that Foden has reached an agreement in principle with City over an extended contract. The new deal will run until 2030 with an additional year's option, replacing his existing agreement which was set to expire in 2027. While the paperwork still needs finalising, both club and player are understood to be committed to seeing the move through.

The news effectively ends weeks of speculation linking Foden with an exit, particularly to La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid. Reports had suggested manager Pep Guardiola had given his blessing for the England international to depart, with Atleti keen to bolster their attacking ranks following Antoine Griezmann's departure to MLS.

Such a move always seemed far-fetched, and Foden's impending contract extension makes it entirely academic now.

This season has been a tough one for Foden by his standards. His seven Premier League goals represent his lowest return in four seasons, while three assists falls well short of what supporters have come to expect from him. More tellingly, he's been conspicuously absent from Guardiola's starting eleven in recent weeks. Over the last dozen league fixtures, he's been handed just two starts, and has managed more than half an hour on the pitch only twice during that run.

His cameo appearance in City's 3-3 draw with Everton typified his marginal role—a mere 16 minutes on the pitch as the champions squandered a chance to close the gap on Arsenal.

Yet despite the difficult campaign, City and Foden have clearly decided their future lies together, with the club keen to retain a player who has spent his entire career at the club.