(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Thu 26 March 2026 12:15, UK

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Phil Foden is ready to move abroad if his contract situation with Manchester City cannot be resolved, sources have told Football Insider.

The England international is set to enter the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium this summer, but he and the club hierarchy have been unable to reach an agreement regarding a new deal so far.

Foden is frustrated by his lack of gametime for the Citizens of late, and sources have indicated that he is prepared to move abroad if he and the club cannot reach an agreement in the coming months.

Both City and the attacking midfielder are keen to see his stay with his boyhood club extended, but it is understood that there would be no shortage of top European clubs ready to make a move if his exit materialised.

City’s transfer plans are set to see them try and strengthen once again in the summer, and while a sale of Foden is far from their ideal scenario, they would prefer to see him head to a different league rather than remain in England.

Man City ready to push towards Phil Foden contract resolution

Football Insider recently revealed that City are likely to accelerate towards a new deal for Foden in the coming months, and they are keen to avoid the possibility of him heading elsewhere.

The two parties are expected to be engaged in ongoing talks to try to find an agreement, but it is also believed that Foden is keen to seek assurances regarding his playing time.

The 25-year-old has started just one of the Citizens’ last eight games in all competitions, and was only introduced in the 90th minute of the Carabao Cup triumph over Arsenal last weekend.

Pep Guardiola has preferred to use Rayan Cherki in the attacking midfield role of late, while the January arrival of Antoine Semenyo has provided further competition in the wide areas.

Foden’s lack of football has also seen his position in the England XI called into the question in recent weeks, and it has now become clear that he is not afraid to take on a change of scenery this summer if a solution with City cannot be reached.

Pep Guardiola could switch to international management

The uncertainty surrounding Guardiola’s own future at the Etihad is adding another dimension to the ongoing situation with Foden, as the boss may not be present himself from next season.

Former Everton and Aston Villa chief executive Keith Wyness recently told Football Insider that the Spanish chief could opt to move into international management if he leaves his current post ahead of next season.

The Scottish businessman suggested that the 55-year-old may see the value in taking a break from the rigours of football for a year, before potentially returning in an international role, which are notorious for having less of a day-to-day workload.

City are still keen to keep their all-conquering boss until at least the end of his contract in the summer of 2027, but Guardiola has dropped several hints of late to suggest that he could be ready to take a step back.