Pep Guardiola. (Getty)
Manchester City’s Premier League title hopes suffered a setback in midweek after they were held to a 2-2 draw by Nottingham Forest, with reported transfer target Elliot Anderson scoring the equaliser.
The dropped points mean Pep Guardiola’s side now trail Arsenal by seven points with nine games remaining. City do still have a game in hand and another showdown with the Gunners to come, but the margin for error is rapidly shrinking.
Despite the uncertainty around their title challenge, planning behind the scenes at the Etihad Stadium continues.
Reports now suggest the club are preparing to reward one of their key players with a lucrative new contract — even though his form this season has been far from consistent.
City to Offer Foden New Deal
Manchester City are reportedly still expected to offer Phil Foden a new contract despite his recent struggles in front of goal.
The England international has played a major role in City’s success during Pep Guardiola’s reign, regularly showcasing his technical ability, intelligence and versatility across multiple attacking positions. However, the 25-year-old has endured a quieter campaign compared to the standards he has set in previous seasons.
So far this term, Foden has recorded 10 goals and five assists in all competitions. More concerning has been his recent output, with the midfielder managing just one assist and no goals across his last 17 appearances.
Even so, City are not believed to have any doubts about his long-term future at the club. With only one year remaining on his current deal by the summer, discussions over a fresh contract are expected to take place to secure his services for the coming years, according to The Athletic.
Foden’s current form could still prove significant, though. The attacker faces an important period as he looks to rediscover his best level — both to justify a new deal at City and to strengthen his case for inclusion in England’s World Cup squad under Thomas Tuchel.
While his recent performances have raised questions, Manchester City still view Foden — who Guardiola has previously hailed as “world class” — as a central figure in their long-term plans. If he can rediscover the form that once made him one of the Premier League’s most exciting talents, a new contract at the Etihad could soon follow.
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