According to The Times, City have held initial conversations with Foden's representatives about a new long-term deal. The 25-year-old's current contract expires in the summer of 2027, meaning this summer represents the right moment to resolve his situation and remove any uncertainty before he enters the final year of his deal.
The talks are at an early stage but the club's intention is clear — they view Foden as central to their long-term plans and have no intention of allowing the situation to drift.
Foden made a strong start to the season, contributing significantly between September and December before his form and playing time fell away sharply in 2026. He has not scored or assisted for City since 11 February and has started only once in their last five Premier League matches, with Antoine Semenyo — signed from Bournemouth in January — and Rayan Cherki ahead of him in Guardiola's attacking hierarchy. In 45 appearances across all competitions this season he has scored 10 goals and provided five assists.
Guardiola has been consistent in his public support for the player throughout the difficult period.
"He will come back. That is what we want from Phil — having the courage to be incredibly free in his mind, in his soul, to express his incredible talent in the final third. It's step by step. He will get it."
City are expected to offer Foden a long-term extension without a significant wage increase on his current reported package of £200,000 per week.
Bayern Munich have been named as one club monitoring the situation in case talks stall, though the likelihood of Foden leaving the club where he grew up is considered extremely low. Sporting director Hugo Viana is leading the negotiations on City's behalf.
Foden won the PFA Players' Player of the Year award in 2023/24 with 19 Premier League goals, a season's performance that now feels a long way from where he currently stands. City's faith in him recovering that level has not wavered.