There are strong indications that Kalvin Phillips’ time at Manchester City may be drawing to a close, with reported interest from Newcastle United and West Ham United. Since joining City from Leeds United in the summer of 2022, Phillips has struggled to establish himself at the club.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola recently made it clear that if Phillips wishes to leave in the January transfer window, he would be allowed to do so.
According to a report in The Daily Star, Guardiola has privately communicated to the Manchester City hierarchy that they should permit Phillips to depart in the New Year. Newcastle United, West Ham United, and Bayern Munich are all reportedly interested in securing Phillips from City during the January transfer window.
Manchester City is open to allowing Phillips to leave on loan in January, but there are certain conditions that need to be met. The club acquiring Phillips would have to cover his full £150,000-a-week salary, and they would also need to commit to a permanent agreement in July.
It’s worth noting that despite City’s considerable success last season, winning the Premier League, the UEFA Champions League, and the FA Cup, Phillips has struggled to find his place in Guardiola’s squad.
Even in the absence of Rodri due to suspension before the international break and Kevin De Bruyne being sidelined for weeks, Phillips couldn’t secure a spot in the starting lineup.
Guardiola has not adjusted his tactics to accommodate Phillips, suggesting that the manager does not believe Phillips is up to the standard required for his team.
it appears that Manchester City may not miss Kalvin Phillips if he departs in January, despite the significant transfer fee of £42 million they paid to Leeds United for the 27-year-old.
Guardiola’s decisions suggest that he doesn’t see Phillips as a key part of his plans, even when key players are unavailable.
The transfer interest from Newcastle United, West Ham United, and Bayern Munich could provide Phillips with a fresh start and a chance to reignite his career elsewhere, away from the competition and scrutiny of Manchester City.
