(Credit: Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Thu 12 March 2026 13:30, UK

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Phil Foden is facing an uncertain future at Manchester City as he approaches the final year of his contract with talks planned for a renewal.

The 25-year-old was an unused substitute as Pep Guardiola’s side were beaten 3-0 by Real Madrid, and has struggled to make an impact when called upon.

He has also started just two of their last six Premier League games, raising questions about his long-term role in the starting XI with other big names stepping up.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Man City hope to extend Foden’s contract, but are not ruling out a sale.

The offer of a new deal will protect his value and allow them to maximise profits should a “huge” offer arrive in what will be another busy transfer window for Man City.

Man City could allow Phil Foden to leave

Brown told Football Insider on 9 March that Man City are planning to extend Foden’s contract beyond the 2027 expiry date to avoid losing him on a free.

However, that should not be taken as a sign that his long-term future is secure at the Etihad, as his inconsistent displays mean he could be let go.

“Man City want to give Phil Foden a new contract,” Brown told Football Insider.

“Ultimately it’s a decision they’ll make because they want to protect his transfer value, even if there are concerns about his performances recently.

“It’s difficult in football, you want players to be on long contracts so that you don’t lose them for free, especially not players like Phil Foden.

“But that doesn’t mean they want him to stick around long-term, so don’t rule this out, if a club is willing to make a huge offer for him, they could let him go.

“He’s still highly regarded, Phil Foden, regardless of how he’s been playing recently, and there will be a number of clubs interested in his services.

“If one of them makes a move, I don’t think City are ruling out letting him go, although obviously it would have to be worth their while as well.

“It’s a tricky situation because they want to have faith in him and hope he can get back to his best, but there are players in that Man City side who have stepped up.

“I think it’s probably shown that maybe he’s not as important as he has been in the past, and again if the right offer came in, maybe he could move on.”

Pep Guardiola’s future causing uncertainty at Man City

Foden’s future is not the only discussion taking place at the Etihad, with doubts over whether Guardiola will be in charge for the remainder of his contract.

Similar to Foden, the boss’ current deal is also set to run until 2027, but doubts have grown about his plans and it has been suggested he could leave this summer.

Brown told Football Insider on 3 February that Guardiola is not happy at Man City and is edging towards an early departure from the Etihad.

The boss caused more uncertainty over his future ahead of the clash with Real Madrid, as he revealed he will miss the Premier League when he steps away from football.

Whether that comes in the summer or in 2027 remains uncertain, but his situation has not helped provide clarity for the City stars whose futures are in doubt.