(Credit: Imago)

James Murray

Wed 13 May 2026 14:55, UK

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Manchester City have given Phil Foden a “signal of support” after handing him a new long-term deal at the Etihad Stadium. 

That is according to former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider the England international is set to receive a pay rise.

It was revealed last week Foden has reached an agreement in principle over a new contract with Pep Guardiola’s side.

The 25-year-old’s deal was set to run until June 2027, but the extension will now see his contract expire in June 2030, while there is also an option of a further year.

Foden’s performances for Man City have fallen below his previous levels this season, but there is confidence at the Etihad he can regain his form. 

Why Man City have handed Phil Foden new contract

Foden has fallen behind Rayan Cherki in the pecking order following the Frenchman’s impressive performances in recent months. 

The Etihad academy product has started in 31 of his 47 appearances this season, but the majority of his recent outings have come off the bench. 

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson discussed whether Foden’s new contract could lead to him receiving more playing time. 

“The two things are not connected,” said Borson.

“At the end of the day, the reason he’s not been playing is because his performances when he’s come onto the field have not been at the historic level that City would hope and that he would hope. Obviously, the contract is a sign that City think he can recover his form.

“There’s going to be a difficult question for England as to whether to take him or not. It might do him good to not be involved, but clearly that would also be massively disappointing for the player and, therefore, you don’t know what the impact might be psychologically on not going either.

“There’s a complexity there, but it’s a signal of support from the club to give him a long-term contract with a pay rise. I don’t think he would have been poorly paid before, so he’s now probably right up there in terms of the high earners at the club.” 

How Pep Guardiola will respond to Foden’s new contract

Borson insisted Foden will have to improve his performances before earning his place back in the starting lineup.

“Obviously, two years ago, he was player of the year and also football writers’ player of year,” said Borson.

“Things can change quite quickly, but his form is pretty poor unfortunately. I’m one of his biggest supporters. He’s an amazing player, but you can’t argue that his form has not been at a level that he would hope. 

“The question is, whatever the reason is for the dip in form, can he regain form? City obviously think he can and, therefore, they’re giving him a contract.

“Under Pep, nothing’s going to change really just from the contract. He has to deliver. Pep loves him, but he also recognises that when he’s involved, he’s just not been good enough.”