In a recent tweet, journalist Ben Jacobs stated that Everton are facing tough competition for Manchester City ace Kalvin Phillips. It is believed that the Toffees will have to rival West Ham United, Atletico Madrid, Newcastle United and Juventus in the race to sign the English midfielder.
Kalvin Phillips still expected to leave Manchester City before the window shuts. Sources firmly deny #MCFC are insisting on an obligation to buy or that loan fee demands are too high.
Understand City are actually open to a deal structure to suit all parties and relaxed because… pic.twitter.com/rF4S7nJauG
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) January 17, 2024
Phillips’ Frustrations At The Etihad Stadium This Season
The English midfield ace has struggled to earn regular first-team starts at the Mancunian club during this campaign but has still caught the eye at times with his performances at the centre of Pep Guardiola’s midfield. Phillips has participated in ten matches for Man City this season, finding the back of the net once across various competitions.
The 28-year-old has made most of his appearances as a substitute which explains why he is only averaging 0.8 tackles, 0.5 interceptions and 0.5 clearances per game in the Premier League. He has distributed possession relatively well from midfield after completing 89.7% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at Man City will expire in 2028. However, Phillips’ current situation at Man City could allow Everton to try and land him in this winter transfer window.
Everton Are Facing Tough Competition For Phillips: Is He Worth The Fight?
Phillips is a solid tackler of the ball and can scan the danger well to make some timely interceptions for his side at the centre of the park. He doesn’t hesitate to clear the danger when the opposition are on the offensive and is a good passer of the ball as well.
However, the lack of game time and frequent injuries have seen his confidence take a hit. Hence, the English sensation should opt for a change of scenery this winter in search of more playing time over the next few years.
At 28, Phillips is enjoying the peak stage of his playing career and is well-equipped to make an immediate impact at Goodison Park if Sean Dyche manage to bring him on board this January. He would add more bite and steel to Everton‘s midfield department.
Phillips might even help the Merseyside club steer clear of the Premier League’s relegation zone in the second half of this campaign. Thus, he will be well worth the fight, so Dyche should focus on snapping Phillips up this January.
