• Monday, June 24, 2024
businessday logo

BusinessDay

Man City to make Foden highest-paid British player

Foden=2

Premier League champions Manchester City are reportedly prepared to offer England forward Phil Foden a new contract worth £375,000 a week, making him the highest-paid British player in history.

With Kevin De Bruyne sidelined due to injury last season, Foden stepped up as the team’s main creative force. His stellar performances played a crucial role in City’s record-breaking fourth consecutive league title under Pep Guardiola.

The 24-year-old was instrumental, netting 19 Premier League goals and providing eight assists, earning him the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Footballer of the Year award for the 2023/24 season.

In 2022, Foden committed his future to City with a five-year contract worth over £200,000 a week, including bonuses. However, amid interest from some of Europe’s top clubs, City is now prepared to offer him a significantly improved deal.

According to The Sun, the new contract would align Foden’s earnings with the club’s top players like Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland. The proposed deal would extend until 2030, ensuring Foden remains at City until his 30th birthday, and would establish him as the highest-paid British player ever.

Before starting another title defense with City, Foden is set to play a key role for Gareth Southgate’s England at Euro 2024. Speaking ahead of England’s opener against Serbia, he emphasized the importance of team cohesion to end England’s 58-year title drought.

“Look, as an example: a new manager comes into a team and there are new players,” Foden told Mail Sport. “Sometimes for that season, it’s not going to work until they learn from each other. I feel that’s what the manager has been building with England. Building connections.”

The new deal would place Foden among Man City’s highest earners and reflects his growing importance to both club and country.

“Over the last few seasons, we’re getting better as a team. Because you’re not there long, it takes a little bit more time. I see the team as very strong now and understanding each other a lot more. Sometimes in those big games, football is about small margins. A big moment. A player can create something from nothing or something goes against you,” Foden added.