Manchester City have reportedly decided to postpone contract talks with star attacker Phil Foden until the summer.
The Stockport-born academy product is enjoying his most productive season in a Citizens shirt having scored 18 goals and registered 10 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions.
At the age of just 23, Foden has already made a total of 258 senior appearances for Man City since and including his debut in November 2017, scoring 78 goals and providing 51 assists.
The versatile attacker has won 16 trophies at club level, including five Premier League titles and one Champions League, and he was part of the City squad that won a historic treble last season.
Foden was a standout performer in Man City's 3-1 derby triumph over Manchester United earlier this month, scoring twice, and after the match was labelled the best player in the Premier League by manager Pep Guardiola.
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In October 2022, Foden extended his Man City contract until the summer of 2027 and allegedly tripled his wages to around £200,000 per week.
Recent reports have suggested that Man City are planning to open talks with the attacker over a new deal, but according to Football Insider, the Citizens are not expected to advance negotiations any further until the end of the current campaign.
It is understood that all parties are confident that a fresh agreement over a new long-term deal can be struck in the summer.
Foden is loving life at his boyhood club and has admitted that he has been thriving in a more central role under Guardiola this season.
"It's the most consistent games that I've played. I've been playing in a new position as well – more inside and more midfield and I'm enjoying it," Foden told mancity.com.
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"I'm enjoying the season and I'm in good form at the moment, so I want to keep that up. Sometimes it just clicks and happens – you get a run of games, there's nothing more to it.
"For me, it's given me a lot more freedom – to pick up the ball a lot more and do a lot more things. I've enjoyed it every time I play there."
"I wouldn't say world class yet – I think I've got the potential to be but to hear [praise] from the manager is special for me," Foden added.
"I still want to keep improving and try to be an even better player. To do it for a number of years – that's when you get the world class status. I have to do it consistently in the biggest games and biggest occasions."
Foden is hoping to end the season on a high with Man City chase down another treble, while he is also keen to make an impact on international duty with England at Euro 2024 this summer.
Oliver Thomas
