According to a report from Sky Sport, Kalvin Phillips has found it challenging to secure regular playing minutes at Manchester City, sparking widespread interest in the English midfielder as he strives to maintain his hopes for Euro 2024 selection. At 28 years old, he is actively pursuing a January departure to secure consistent game time, a crucial factor in his bid to secure a spot in England’s Euro 2024 squad later this summer.
Phillips Faces Persistent Hurdles At Manchester City
Kalvin Phillips continues to grapple with securing a regular role within Pep Guardiola’s Man City setup. The English midfielder has featured in merely 10 matches across different competitions for his current club this season. Despite his dedication, the 27-year-old frequently finds himself on the sidelines, leading to a somewhat restricted impact in the Premier League.
His averages of 0.7 tackles, 0.3 interceptions, and 0.7 successful dribbles per game in the league reflect this limited playing time. Nonetheless, his standout quality lies in midfield distribution, boasting an impressive 90% pass completion rate in England’s top flight (statistics provided by whoscored).
What Lies Ahead For The Former Leeds United Captain?
Kalvin Phillips, recognized for his midfield tenacity and resilience, exhibits exceptional skill in winning possession during midfield battles. His proactive approach in neutralizing threats is commendable, alongside his admirable passing prowess. While proficient in orchestrating attacks in the opponent’s territory, Phillips acknowledges the need to amplify his offensive contributions for a more influential role in the forward lines.
Despite demonstrating significant potential during his tenure at Leeds United, his time with the Sky Blues hasn’t unfolded favorably. Now, standing at a crucial juncture in his career, he seeks assured playing time, aiming to depart from the Etihad.
City would prefer an outright sale rather than a loan, allowing room in their squad and budget for a long-term replacement, although a loan isn’t completely ruled out. Interest has emerged from the Premier League and abroad, with Juventus emerging as primary contenders to secure his signature. Phillips intends to weigh all available options, considering the possibility of playing abroad, with a move to Turin appearing increasingly likely.
Additionally, a move to the North-East could be appealing, considering his ties to the area north of Leeds. Both Juventus and Newcastle align well with his playing style, with Juventus’ strong position in Serie A making them an attractive prospect.
The decisive factor in any decision-making process will revolve around securing regular first-team action. Phillips is eager for consistent game time, a primary consideration with the looming European Championships in Germany next summer.
