Manchester City: 'Pep Guardiola believes in Phil Foden' after contract latest
Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden is clearly part of the club's long-term plans, according to Keith Wyness.
The former Everton chief, speaking to Football Insider, dropped his verdict after Foden agreed a new four-year deal with the club.
The 25-year-old is a product of the Man City academy, and his deal at the Etihad had been due to expire next summer.
Foden has not scored a goal for the club since last December, and has regularly been used off the bench by manager Pep Guardiola in recent months.
Man City though have no plans to sell Foden, who also remains committed to fight for his place in Guardiola's starting line-up.
Phil Foden 'an asset for the future' at Man City
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs - thinks a new contract should give Foden a boost of confidence.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness believes Man City want Foden to feel valued after issues in his personal life.
| Games Started | 21 |
| Goals | 7 |
| Successful Passes | 88.1% |
| Chances Created | 46 |
| Successful Dribbles | 52.4% |
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Obviously, Pep believes in Foden.
"He’s only 25, so they see that he’s an asset for the future. He’s obviously had a dip. It seems to be that something has gone on in his personal life, whether it’s mental or whatever. Look, good luck to the kid.
"We know Foden's got incredible talent, and he seems to be coming back into form. But Man City will give him that settled comfort of a new contract. Pep believes he can come back.
"So they're saying, this is a vote of confidence, and we’re with you all the way and that’s exactly what this sort of young kid needs at the moment to get his confidence back.”
Man City have Pep Guardiola succession plan in place
With his contract set to expire at the end of next season, there are concerns over whether Guardiola could walk away at the end of this campaign.
Former financial advisor at the Etihad, Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Man City chiefs hope Vincent Kompany could become their manager in the future.
The former Man City captain signed a contract extension last October to keep him at Bayern Munich until 2029, and former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is said to be waiting in the wings to replace Guardiola.
Kompany though is highly regarded at the club following 11 years at the Etihad as a player, and the Belgian has won the Bundesliga during his time at Bayern Munich.