A full preseason may be exactly what Phil Foden needs at this stage of his career.

Phil Foden is now 26 years of age and entering the prime years of his career. However, Foden has already carried a heavy workload throughout his career. Foden has made 369 appearances for Manchester City, scored 110 goals, and contributed 68 assists. Also, prior to this summer, Foden was ever-present for England so he has rarely had an opportunity to have a prolonged period of rest throughout his career. He has had that opportunity this summer, and perhaps that is exactly what was required for Phil Foden.

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Phil Foden hasn’t been at his best over the past two seasons. During the 2024-25 season, Foden struggled with his form as did the entire Manchester City team. Last season, Foden started the season well before his form tapered off during the second half of Manchester City’s 2025-26 campaign. It is clear that Foden can still be the devastating player that can win matches when at his best. You do wonder if finally having the opportunity to take a break from the game this summer will be exactly what Foden needed to click back to his best on a consistent basis.

Manchester City will be hoping that Foden is refreshed and ready to play a key role next season.

Looking ahead to the 2026-27 season, Phil Foden looms as a key player for Manchester City. Foden is now a senior member of the City squad and with that title comes the expectation to perform. There is no doubt that Phil Foden can get back to his best; the hope is from a Manchester City point of view that this occurs next season.

Phil Foden is a devastating player when at his best. His ability to score goals from the right wing and from midfield is a weapon that not many teams have. With how Enzo Maresca likes his team to play, Foden could be a crucial player next season. You can see Foden playing a similar type of role to the one that Cole Palmer fulfilled for Maresca at Chelsea. To fulfill that type of role, Foden needs to be at his best and ready to fire next season. If he is, Foden will likely be a regular starter and an important player for his team next season.

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Phil Foden, like a host of his teammates, has begun his 2026-27 preseason today. While Foden could have played an important role for England at the recently concluded World Cup, it is hoped that a prolonged period of rest has done Foden the world of good. Manchester City will be hoping this is the case as if Foden is firing next season, the equation changes for what Enzo Maresca’s side can achieve next season.