“I asked my sporting director, they are close” – Pep Guardiola breaks silence on Phil Foden’s contract extension

Asked directly about Foden’s contract situation on Friday afternoon, Guardiola was candid. “I asked to my sporting director (Hugo Viana) – they are close! Hopefully it’s going to happen. But still it’s not already done,” the Manchester City manager said.

The reference to Viana is notable; Guardiola positioning the renewal as a matter being handled between Foden’s representatives and City’s director of football, while making clear he is actively monitoring the situation and is hopeful of a positive resolution.

Reports this week cited an insistence from those in the 25-year-old’s circle that he never considered leaving the club despite losing his place in Guardiola’s starting XI since January.

What is the wider context for Foden’s renewal?

The England international is approaching the final 12 months of his current deal and has endured a difficult second half of the season, with Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo establishing themselves ahead of him in City’s attacking hierarchy since the turn of the year.

Despite that, City’s decision to offer both a long-term extension and improved financial terms underlines the faith the club retains in Foden’s ability to recapture his best form.

The Stockport-born attacker was voted PFA Players’ Player of the Year for the 2023-24 campaign after driving City to a record fourth successive Premier League title – and Guardiola’s public desire to see a renewal completed sends a clear message about where Foden fits in the club’s long-term plans.

Rafaela Pimenta discusses ‘difficult’ Manchester City talks after Phil Foden contract breakthrough

With four Premier League games and an FA Cup final against Chelsea still to come in the final weeks of the season, the hope at the Etihad Stadium will be that the contract is wrapped up before the curtain comes down on the season.