According to reports, Kalvin Phillips is increasingly likely to leave Manchester City in January despite interest from several teams, including Newcastle United and Everton.
Since arriving from Leeds United in July 2022, the 27-year-old has had a challenging 15 months at the Etihad Stadium, starting just five of his 26 appearances for the Citizens in all competitions.
The main reasons Phillips was unable to establish himself as a first-team regular last season were injuries and the outstanding play of Rodri, a fellow midfield lynchpin.
The England international played the full 90 minutes in an EFL Cup loss to Newcastle but was relegated to the substitutes’ bench for games against RB Leipzig, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Arsenal.
Many would have expected Pep Guardiola to give Phillips a chance in the starting lineup when Rodri was given a three-match domestic suspension for violent behavior last month.
Instead, Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes, and 18-year-old Rico Lewis, a versatile fullback, have been used by Guardiola to play in the center of midfield. Bernardo Silva, who joined the team in the summer, played alongside Lewis in a deeper role in the weekend loss to Arsenal.
Phillips still has five years left on his contract at the Etihad, but his future there is now in doubt after Guardiola caused him to slip even further down the hierarchy.
The i claims that Man City were willing to let Phillips leave this summer, but the midfielder expressed his desire to stay and compete for a spot.
However, it now seems more likely that the Englishman will leave the treble winners in January.
A loan move during the winter window, when there will be “plenty of interest” in his services, is the report’s prediction for the most likely outcome.
According to reports, Newcastle reportedly inquired about Phillips in the summer and may rekindle their interest in the player in January.
Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Sean Longstaff, Joelinton, Elliot Anderson, and Joe Willock—the latter of whom is currently injured—are just a few of the many midfield options Eddie Howe already has at his disposal.
However, the Magpies manager might be persuaded to sign another player in the new year, particularly if his team continues to play in the Champions League while handling domestic duties.
Everton is said to have an interest in Phillips as well, but given their current financial situation and lack of certainty regarding the club’s ownership, a loan move would be their only practical option.
Another club that has been linked to Phillips is Arsenal; according to one report, Mikel Arteta has named the Yorkshireman as his top midfield target for 2024.
Phillips, who is currently serving with England’s national team in preparation for a friendly against Australia and two Euro 2024 qualifying matches against Italy and Malta later this month, has also been linked to moves to West Ham United and Liverpool.
If Man City decides to let Phillips go, Guardiola’s team may become more interested in Joao Neves, a 19-year-old midfielder for Benfica. body check tags:.
For more updates, we are at your service all day long and all night long.
