Exclusive: Real Madrid Eye World-Record Bid for Phil Foden, Man City Ready £400k-a-Week Fortress

Phil Foden, the homegrown academy talent who has ascended to the status of a global superstar, is gearing up for the most defining summer of his professional career. 

As he continues to cement his legacy as a living legend for Manchester City, Europe’s elite clubs are reportedly preparing historic, world-record bids to lure the English playmaker away from the Etihad Stadium.

The "Contract for Life" Strategy

Foden’s current deal at the Etihad runs until June 2027, but the Manchester City board views him as strictly "untouchable." 

Sources close to the club suggest that City has zero intention of entertaining offers. Instead, they are fast-tracking a "contract for life" set to be signed before the summer of 2026. This mega-deal would see his wages skyrocket to a staggering £400,000 per week, making him one of the highest-paid players in Premier League history.

​Astronomical Fees and the "Bellingham Factor"

Should Manchester City unexpectedly enter negotiations, the starting price tag is expected to sit between €180 million and €200 million, a figure that would shatter the existing world transfer record.

• ​Real Madrid’s Interest: The Spanish giants view Foden as the final, crowning piece of their "New Galacticos" puzzle. Madrid’s primary trump card is the close friendship between Foden and Jude Bellingham, with the latter reportedly acting as an informal ambassador for the move.
• ​The PSG Threat: With limitless financial backing, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is prepared to match any financial package. However, Foden’s known reluctance to leave the English cultural environment makes a move to Ligue 1 highly unlikely at this stage.

​Loyalty vs. The Bernabéu Dream

From a tactical and professional standpoint, a Foden transfer would represent more than just a sale; it would be a seismic shift in Manchester City’s identity. 

As the primary representative of the fans on the pitch, his departure would likely spark a significant backlash. 

While the prospect of becoming the "New King of Madrid" is tempting, insiders believe such a move would only materialise if Pep Guardiola were to depart the club first.

Real Madrid have also reportedly been keeping tabs on Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández as they plan a summer midfield reset.

Future Captain or Record Sale?

The general consensus within the Etihad is that Foden will ultimately choose loyalty, signing a record-breaking long-term deal to retire as a one-club man. 

However, with an "irresistible" offer from Real Madrid looming, the football world is bracing for what could be the biggest transfer saga in the history of the sport.