Despite Fabrizio Romano establishing strong links between Phillips and Juventus, there’s a possibility that Liverpool will make a late attempt to retain the services of the English international within the Premier League.
Reports from Calciomercato, which also connect Phillips to Juventus and Newcastle, indicate Liverpool’s interest in securing his signature. However, this move could be ambitious as Pep Guardiola seemingly isn’t keen on letting the 28-year-old join another English team.
Selling to Liverpool doesn’t seem prudent for City, especially when both clubs are vying for the Premier League title this year. Guardiola might be regretting allowing Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko to join Arsenal in the previous season.
Phillips, a talented player with limited opportunities at the Etihad Stadium, could potentially have a significant impact after moving to Liverpool.
The Reds underwent several midfield changes over the summer, and it remains uncertain if they consider it an urgent priority to reinforce the position despite recent arrivals such as Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, and Wataru Endo.
While Romano’s links with Juventus have been prominent, Liverpool’s potential last-minute bid suggests a willingness to keep the player within the Premier League fold. Guardiola’s reluctance to allow Phillips to join a domestic rival adds a layer of complexity to the situation, with the backdrop of past regrets over transfers to rival clubs.
The dynamics of City competing with Liverpool for the Premier League title create a strategic challenge in considering a transfer to a direct competitor. Guardiola’s reflection on previous decisions, allowing key players to move to rival teams, further underscores the sensitivity of this potential transfer.
Phillips’ underutilization at City raises the prospect of him making a more substantial impact at Liverpool, but the club’s recent midfield alterations introduce uncertainties about the urgency of reinforcing that position.
As the transfer saga unfolds, the interplay of club strategies, Guardiola’s considerations, and Liverpool’s potential maneuvering in the eleventh hour contribute to the intriguing narrative surrounding Phillips’ potential move.
