Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden has signed a new four-year contract, keeping him at the club until 2030.
The deal, reported on August 1, 2026, comes as he prepares for a fresh start under new head coach Enzo Maresca.
Foden, 26, enjoyed a standout 2023-24 season, scoring 19 goals in the Premier League and earning both the PFA Player of the Year and league's Player of the Season awards.
However, his form dipped over the past two campaigns, including a goalless streak of 31 appearances for club and country.
Despite recent struggles, City showed continued trust by offering the extension, which Foden signed last month.
He said the new deal has helped him feel relaxed and focused on repaying the club's faith.
"It has made me feel relaxed and I can just concentrate on being the best version of me and give back to the football club for them trusting in me," Foden said.
"It's about time I try and repay them and give back to the club."
A Fresh Start Under Maresca
Foden was promoted to the first team by former manager Pep Guardiola and has made 369 appearances for City, winning six Premier League titles, one Champions League, and two FA Cups.
Now, Enzo Maresca, who replaced Guardiola, brings a familiar face to the helm.
Maresca previously worked in City's academy and as a first-team assistant. Foden noted their existing relationship has eased his transition under the new coach.
"Very good - a fresh start, a new manager and up to now, really enjoying it," Foden said. "I know Enzo from before, so that also helps.
I know him quite well and what [he] is about."
Maresca expressed confidence in Foden's importance and stressed the need for the player to be happy and enjoy football to perform at his best.
"Phil is very important, like the rest. Knowing Phil from years ago, I know how good he is," Maresca said.
"It is my duty to help him be the Phil we all want. First of all, to be happy and enjoy football is most important.
If he feels good, he can help us win titles."
Foden missed out on England's 2026 World Cup squad and found it difficult watching the tournament.
Maresca reached out to check on him after the omission, showing his supportive approach.
"He reached out just after to see if it was OK, which was very nice of him, to show us this character and the person he is.
He cares about everyone and wants to have a good relationship with the team," Foden said.
Reflecting on last season, Foden described it as a "season of two halves," performing well initially before losing rhythm and game time.
He acknowledged challenges adapting to different positions and competition for places.
"It was like a season of two halves for me. I think the first half of it was really good.
I performed quite well, and in the second half I couldn't really get going and then get a lot of game time," Foden said.
"Obviously I'm an adaptable player as well, so it doesn't help sometimes when you're changing a lot of positions and it's hard to maintain the performance of one position, but sometimes it just happens.
It's football. People who were playing in front of me was performing very well as well.
And sometimes that's just the way it is."
Despite the difficult period, Foden remains motivated to prove critics wrong and make a significant impact in the upcoming season.
"You've got to take it with a pinch of salt and then just try and react and prove people wrong and that's all you can do really.
A fresh start now and hopefully that doesn't happen again," he said.
Foden also expressed confidence in Manchester City's chances despite squad changes, believing the team can compete for all trophies.
"I think we can win everything, but it's obviously hard.
We have still got an unbelievable team," he said during the club's new away kit launch in Hong Kong.
