England International Phil Foden has agreed a new four-year contract with Manchester City.
The 25-year-old midfielder’s current deal was due to end next summer, but the new agreement will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2030, with the option of an extra year.
Although Foden has struggled for form in recent months and has not scored since December 14, both the player and the club are still keen to continue working together.
Foden came off the bench during Manchester City’s thrilling draw against Everton on Monday. The result left City five points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, although Pep Guardiola’s side still have a game in hand.
The England midfielder will now hope to secure his place in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for this summer’s FIFA World Cup.
Tuchel recently warned that Foden’s place in the England team is not certain despite starting both matches in England’s last training camp before the tournament.
Foden made his first-team debut for Manchester City at the age of 17 under manager Pep Guardiola.
Since then, he has played 365 matches for the club and helped City win six Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League trophy and two FA Cups.
Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney believes Foden should remain a regular starter despite his recent struggles.
“I think you have to put him in the team,” Rooney said.
“I love watching him play and the way he moves into spaces. It is not nice seeing him on the bench.
“He has had difficult moments, but when a player of his quality has a bad spell, you should keep playing him instead of leaving him out for weeks,” Rooney added.
Rooney also mentioned players like Jérémy Doku and Antoine Semenyo while discussing Manchester City’s attacking options and suggested Guardiola may want more defensive support from his wingers.
