When Phil Foden, midfielder of Manchester City entered the final two years of his deal, the Etihad buzzed with urgency. The club, based at Etihad Stadium, wants to lock the homegrown star down before the October 2025 international break, a period flagged as an international breakEngland kicks off. Meanwhile, a shock £112 million bid from a Saudi Arabian consortium has spooked the hierarchy.
Background: From Reddish Vulcans to World Stage
Foden’s journey began in Stockport, where he first kicked a ball for the local side Reddish Vulcans before joining the Manchester City Academy at age eight. Since breaking into the first team in 2018, he’s logged 326 appearances, netted 102 goals and provided 63 assists – a contribution that helped City hoist six Premier League crowns, two FA Cups, four EFL Cups and a Champions League trophy.
The 2023‑24 season was his breakout year: 19 league goals, eight assists and a coveted PFA Players’ Player of the Year award. Yet the following campaign proved a stark contrast, with only seven Premier League goals and two assists from 20 starts, a dip many attribute to a lingering ankle issue.
Current Contract Situation
The club’s hierarchy, led by Pep Guardiola, head coach, described his future as "desperate to keep him happy". Guardiola confessed, "When Phil isn’t on the pitch, we miss his creativity in the final third. I want him smiling in training again." Sources say City will open formal talks during the upcoming break, aiming for a long‑term contract that reflects his status as a central figure for the next phase.
Despite the uncertainty, the player reportedly indicated a preference to stay. Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke told the Inside Track podcast, "Phil’s a City boy through and through; he wants to pledge the best years of his career here."
Saudi Interest and the £112m Transfer Rumour
While City prepares its offer, reports surfaced of a Saudi Professional League consortium – believed to be linked to Al‑Hilal – floating a £112 million bid. The European window shut on 1 September 2025, but the Saudi window remains open until 31 October, leaving a narrow corridor for a possible swoop.
Analysts note the bid is “astronomical” for a domestic talent still under 26, especially considering City’s recent £153.4 million spending spree on six new signings, including Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders. The club’s financial team reportedly believes the offer undervalues Foden’s long‑term marketability and his role in a squad that aims to reclaim the Premier League crown after a 13‑point deficit to Liverpool last season.
City’s Strategic Response
Manchester City’s sporting director, Maria Elena Roca, fact‑checked that “we are confident we can reach an agreement that satisfies Phil and the club”. The statement hinted at a possible “release clause” adjustment, a tactic Pep Guardiola has used before to deter poachers.
Meanwhile, the squad’s depth has grown. New arrivals like James Trafford and Rayan Aït‑Nouri have eased the midfield burden, but Guardiola insists the team’s identity still revolves around Foden’s instinctive runs and vision. "He’s top with that," the coach added after a 2‑0 Champions League win over Napoli on 22 October 2025, where Foden’s off‑the‑ball movement created space for the decisive goal. If the Saudi offer materialises, City would lose a player who not only contributes on the pitch but also embodies the club’s youth‑development ethos. Losing him could embolden rivals to target other academy graduates, shaking the league’s competitive balance. Conversely, a new contract could keep the squad stable heading into the 2025‑26 season. The club’s upcoming fixture against Villa Park on 3 November 2025 is expected to see Foden reinstated after a brief spell sidelined by Rodri’s injury. A strong performance there could signal a resurgence and soften the narrative of a rebuilding year. Fans can expect an official statement from Manchester City sometime in late October, likely outlining the contract’s length and any new clauses. Should the Saudi bid linger, the Premier League may weigh in, given recent scrutiny over foreign investment in English football. In the meantime, the midfielder will continue to feature for England’s under‑23 side, hoping to earn a recall to the senior squad. A return to form could tip the scales in City’s favour, turning a potential transfer saga into a loyalty story. The bid is significant but speculative. City’s recent spending on squad depth and the player’s expressed desire to stay make a move unlikely unless the offer includes performance‑related add‑ons that outweigh contract security for Foden. Securing Foden long‑term allows Guardiola to build around his creativity, integrating new signings without fearing a midfield void. It also sends a message to the academy that home‑grown talent will be rewarded, preserving the club’s development pipeline. Yes, his recent ankle setbacks have been a talking point. The club is likely to include medical clauses or performance incentives to mitigate risk, while Foden will seek guarantees that his rehab support stays top‑notch. England manager has already omitted Foden from the recent senior squad, citing form and fitness. A new contract and a return to consistent playing time could swing the decision back in his favour for upcoming Euro qualifiers. Clubs like Liverpool with Trent Alexander‑Arnold and Arsenal with Bukayo Saka have signed extended deals despite lucrative overseas interest, emphasizing a combination of loyalty, wage structures and long‑term sporting visions.
Potential Impact on Team and League
What’s Next?
Frequently Asked Questions
How likely is the £112m Saudi bid to succeed?
What does a new contract mean for Manchester City’s tactical plans?
Will Foden’s fitness issues affect his contract negotiations?
How does this saga impact England’s national team selection?
What precedent exists for Premier League clubs retaining players amid giant foreign offers?