Pep Guardiola hopes Phil Foden will spend entire career at Manchester City

Pep Guardiola has delivered one of his strongest endorsements yet of Phil Foden’s long-term future at Manchester City, insisting he hopes the 25-year-old midfielder stays at the Etihad Stadium for the rest of his career. Speaking ahead of City’s Premier League trip to Fulham on Wednesday, the Catalan coach described Foden as a “special player” and revealed he believes the Academy graduate has all the qualities required to become a future club captain.

Foden’s brace in the dramatic 3–2 win over Leeds last weekend continued his outstanding form this season, and Guardiola was quick to underline the midfielder’s growing importance. Now approaching the peak of his career, Foden has evolved from promising youngster to consistent match-winner, carrying City’s attacking threat even as the team navigates injuries and tactical reshuffles.

“Hopefully he can stay all his career here,” Guardiola said. “He’s a special player, a Man City fan from the Academy, there are no doubts on that.”

The sentiment felt less like a hope and more like a call to action. City have built their modern era on world-class talent, but Foden — as one of their own — represents something different: identity, continuity and leadership.

Foden’s double against Leeds took him to six goals in all competitions this season, alongside three assists. Guardiola believes he can push toward the 20-goal mark, a threshold that would elevate him into Ilkay Gündogan territory — midfielders who define seasons rather than simply contribute to them.

“He’s done it in the past,” Guardiola said. “The year we won four Premier League titles in a row he was the best player. I don’t know how many goals he scored but he had a lot.”

Guardiola also highlighted the importance of goals from midfield if City are to maintain their trophy hunt.

“The success isn’t just the strikers — it’s especially the wingers and attacking midfielders. Gundo scored a lot of goals in our Treble year. We need that.”

Phil Foden earns £225,000 per week, totalling over £11 million per year, under a contract that runs until 30 June 2027. His deal reflects his status as one of City’s most valuable assets, but also positions the club to reassess his long-term role and future extension as he approaches his late twenties.

For City, securing Foden well beyond 2027 will be a priority — especially as Guardiola frames him not just as a star, but as a potential successor to the leadership roles once held by Kompany, Fernandinho and Gündogan.

Guardiola’s timing with public praise is rarely accidental. When he singles out a player so directly, it usually reflects deeper strategic thinking about the squad’s long-term structure. In this case, his words reinforce how central Phil Foden has become to City’s identity at a time when several senior figures are entering the latter stages of their careers. Foden isn’t just another attacking midfielder; he represents continuity, stability and a cultural anchor point for a squad that is beginning to evolve.

There is also a sense that Guardiola is gently nudging Foden toward greater leadership. Even if the midfielder is not naturally vocal, the manager clearly believes his influence comes through presence, responsibility and consistency. Many of City’s past captains — from Gündogan to De Bruyne — grew into their authority in similar fashion, driven more by performance than personality. Foden’s rise feels like a continuation of that lineage.

Manchester City face Fulham away on Wednesday, where Guardiola will hope Foden continues his exceptional form as the champions push to gather momentum in the title race.

👉 Do you think Foden should be City’s future captain — or is someone else better suited for the role?