Phil Foden is 'coasting' and his 'long-term' Man City role is under threat - ex-Chief Scout

Manchester City are hoping to see Phil Foden turn around his form under Enzo Maresca after what has been a dismal 12 months.

The 26-year-old fell down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola last season, and ultimately dropped out of Thomas Tuchel's England plans ahead of the World Cup.

His performances have taken a significant downturn, leading to new concerns growing at the Etihad about his long-term role in the side.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Maresca is looking for Foden to prove himself, earn his place in the starting XI, and get back to his best form.

However, questions may be asked about his future at the club if he continues on the downward trajectory his performances have taken over the last 12 months.

With just one year remaining on his contract and major changes taking place at the Etihad, all eyes will be on Foden to step up and show his worth.

Why are Man City concerned about Phil Foden?

Football Insider revealed last month that Maresca is planning to use Foden as a key part of his starting XI, despite concerns about a disappointing last 12 months.

However, the England international started in the 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield, and once again failed to make his mark on the game.

The coming weeks after the start of the Premier League season could be key for Foden's future at Man City, and if he does not step up, questions will be asked.

"There are still a lot of question marks at Man City about Phil Foden," Brown told Football Insider.

"They've got major concerns about his performances over the last 12 months, where he hasn't looked anything like the player we know he can be at his best.

"That led to him dropping down the pecking order at Man City, and then he was left out of the England squad, so he needs to take his chance to impress the new manager.

"Maresca will be looking for Foden to step up his performances, prove he deserves a place in the starting XI, and get back to his top level.

"If he can't do that, then they're going to have to ask questions about his long-term role at Man City, because he can't keep coasting through with below-par performances.

"It will be interesting to see where he plays in this team, if he sits a bit deeper or plays as that number ten, or whether he's pushed out wide again, because they have other options in all of those positions.

"He will get his chance to impress under Maresca, but he seriously has to step up and show us the Phil Foden that we've seen before."

What is the latest on Foden's contract situation?

As things stand, Foden is set to see his contract at Man City expire in 2027, with less than 12 months remaining on his current deal.

Questions have been asked about whether he will extend his stay at the Etihad beyond the current expiry date, with contract talks having taken place over a number of months.

However, Football Insider revealed on 17 July that Foden is close to formalising a new contract at Man City and an announcement could be made in due course.

The England international reached an agreement in principle with Man City in May, and while confirmation of the new deal has been slow, talks have progressed positively.

Foden is set to extend his stay at Man City despite speculative links with a move away, with clubs in Turkey having been linked with moves to lure him in this summer.