According to a report from Manchester Evening News, Italian Serie A powerhouse Juventus have identified Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips as their top priority in the January transfer window.
Phillips joined City in the summer of 2022 from Leeds United. However, he has seen limited playing time for the Blues as manager Pep Guardiola has consistently favored Rodri in the central midfield role. An exit in January seems highly likely for the former Leeds captain with several potential suitors awaiting the commencement of the transfer window.
A Challenging 15-Month Period For Phillips At Manchester City
During his time at Man City, Phillips has experienced a tough stretch, struggling to secure a regular starting spot in Pep Guardiola’s lineup. In the current season, the English midfielder has only appeared in six matches for his team across all competitions.
Most of his involvement has been as a substitute, which might explain his relatively modest statistical contributions in the Premier League, with averages of 0.8 tackles, 0.5 clearances, 0.5 interceptions, and 0.7 shots per game. However, it’s worth noting that his passing accuracy from midfield remains impressive, with a 89.7% pass completion rate in the English top flight (statistics sourced from whoscored).
Despite having a contract that extends until the summer of 2028, City’s management have decided to make him available for sale in January, creating an opportunity for potential suitors. Nevertheless, the £50 million asking price could present a challenge for clubs interested in securing his services including the Italian giants.
Will Phillips Secure A Manchester City Exit In January?
Phillips is a determined midfielder recognized for his exceptional ability to anticipate the game’s flow and effectively recover possession in the heart of the midfield. He isn’t shy about making strong clearances when facing opposition pressure. Although his primary role is as a defensive midfielder, he demonstrates the flexibility to adapt, functioning as a central defender or even transitioning into a box-to-box midfielder, following his manager’s instructions.
His passing skills are a standout feature, but it’s essential to consider his injury history, which may give potential suitors some hesitation when contemplating his acquisition in the upcoming January transfer window.
Nonetheless, it’s vital to recognize that Phillips possesses a significant amount of talent and untapped potential. His capacity to secure possession, orchestrate play, and drive it forward makes him a valuable asset for any team. While Manchester City’s intention to profit from his transfer represents a substantial challenge, it doesn’t diminish the potential value that other clubs may see in his services.
