Pep Guardiola has urged Phil Foden to become a 'one-club man' at Manchester City by following Erling Haaland in committing his long-term future to the club.
Haaland is now tied to the reigning English champions until 2034 after agreeing a huge nine-and-a-half-year extension that would see him earn more than £200million.
Meanwhile, it has been a difficult season for Foden, who appeared to fall short of his usual quality after the heartache of Euro 2024 last summer, but is showing signs of being back to his best.
Foden – who was crowned the Premier League's best player last season – scored twice in City's 6-0 defeat to Ipswich on Sunday evening, while also registering an assist in the match.
The 24-year-old has now scored five goals in his last three Premier League games and City are looking to tie him down to a new contract, with Foden's existing deal set to expire in 2027.
City are actively trying to extend the stay of several Etihad superstars and Guardiola gave a glowing review of Foden's talents as he made a case for the playmaker.
The City manager praised Foden's goal-scoring ability during his analysis and urged him not to be tempted by any future interest from rival clubs.
“He shouldn't (leave),” Guardiola said when asked about Foden's future after the match after beating Ipswich to remain fourth in the Premier League standings.
'He can be a one-club man, end his career here and play for many, many years. At his age and with the number of goals, the number of games, the number of assists, his work ethic.
'The greatest quality is that he has around sixteen goals in his blood, his bones and in his mind. He thinks: 'I'm going to score,'” Guardiola added.
'It's not easy to find. That's why I want to try to give him central positions, because he has a specific quality.
'We have spoken often in recent months or weeks. He was a completely different boy at the start of the season with a few problems, because they are human and sometimes in a long career you have a setback, that is normal.
“But we are very happy that he is happy again and enjoying playing and that is very good for all of us.”
Foden signed his latest contract extension two years ago as reward for his rise from academy graduate to influential first-team regular in Guardiola's star-studded squad.
Since then, he has become one of the Premier League's top talents and has played an influential role in the club's success in addition to England's major tournament success.