Everton are exploring the possibility of acquiring Kalvin Phillips on loan from Manchester City. However, this raises the question of whether it’s a calculated risk or another misguided attempt to revitalize a player whose form has waned.
The club previously faced disappointment with another English international midfielder, Dele Alli, brought in during the 2022 winter transfer window, coinciding with Frank Lampard’s appointment as manager.
Lampard had already secured Donny van de Beek on loan from Manchester United, and the club had used their other domestic loan slot for Anwar El Ghazi from Aston Villa, just days before Rafael Benitez was sacked.
Due to these circumstances, Dele had to be signed on a permanent basis. As known in the football world, Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is a tough negotiator. He allowed Everton to acquire Dele on an initial free transfer but included several appearance-related fees and other clauses.
Despite being once considered the world’s most valuable midfielder by the CIES Football Observatory, Dele Alli could not recapture his past form. This season, he did not feature after a revealing interview with Gary Neville in July where he discussed his off-field challenges, followed by injury setbacks.
Although his contract is expiring at the end of the month, Everton has stated that he will remain with the club to undergo a rigorous rehabilitation program for a long-term groin injury he sustained away from Merseyside.
Kalvin Phillips, aged 28, is the same age as Dele but presents a different scenario for Everton. If they can secure him on a temporary deal, it allows the club to evaluate his performance before committing to a permanent transfer. Director of football Kevin Thelwell emphasizes that a sustainable football model should be based on smart trading, and a loan move for Phillips might fit this approach.
Phillips has had a tough stint at Manchester City, only starting two Premier League games. He faced public criticism from manager Pep Guardiola, who suggested Phillips was overweight—a comment for which Guardiola later apologized.
Phillips’ loan to West Ham United in the second half of the season was underwhelming. He had a disastrous debut against Bournemouth, leading to a goal for the opposition within three minutes. He went on to make just eight appearances for West Ham, failing to complete a full match and only playing more than 45 minutes once, in a loss to Nottingham Forest.
Despite these setbacks, there are promising aspects to Phillips’ game. During his time at West Ham, his performance metrics revealed some potential.
For instance, in terms of progressive runs per 90 minutes, Phillips ranked well, with only Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva and Rodri surpassing his numbers in the Premier League. This statistic hints at Phillips’ ability to advance the ball effectively, a skill that could be beneficial for Everton.
