PHIL YOUR BOOTS!

Foden to sign mega-money six-year deal at City

Phil Foden has agreed a new sixyear contract with Manchester City as reward for his rapid rise under Pep Guardiola. The 21-year-old has become integral to the City team, starring as they reached a first Champions league final last season.

That was underlined last week when Foden was named on the 30-man shortlist for the men’s Ballon d’or, alongside team-mates Kevin de Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, Ruben dias and Riyad Mahrez.

City have tied the boyhood supporter down until 2027 in a deal that is expected to be announced over the coming days and likely to make him one of the highest-paid young stars in world football.

Foden spent the beginning of this season recovering from a complicated foot injury sustained at the european Championship but has given Guardiola’s side fresh energy since his return.

The youngster’s first Premier league start of the campaign came in the 1-0 victory at Chelsea last month, during which he flourished. he followed that up with a goal in a stunning display at Anfield as City drew 2-2 with liverpool before the international break.

Foden signed a six-year contract in 2018 — a heavily incentivised agreement that grew from his basic salary of £30,000-a-week after triggering specific targets.

Foden’s total of 16 goals last season was a career-best tally and left him only one behind top scorer ilkay Gundogan. Rodri was the only squad member to have featured in more games.

Guardiola has used academy graduate Foden in a range of positions — operating on either flank and even playing as a false nine — with observers believing his best position may eventually prove to be central midfield.