According to a report from Mirror, Kalvin Phillips has encountered challenges in securing regular playing time since his move from Leeds United to Manchester City in the summer of 2022, and the reigning Premier League champions are open to selling him in January. Despite the England midfielder only starting in five games during his 15-month tenure at the Etihad, City aims to turn a profit on him.
Recognizing significant interest from various clubs when the transfer window reopens in January, the Premier League champions have set an asking price of £50 million. This represents a substantial £8 million increase from the £42 million City paid to acquire him from the Yorkshire club in the summer of 2022.
A struggling Period Of 15 Months For Phillips At Manchester City
At Manchester City, Phillips has faced a challenging period, struggling to establish himself as a regular starter in Pep Guardiola’s lineup. Throughout this season, the English midfielder has made appearances in just five matches for his current club across all competitions.
The majority of his involvement has come from the substitute’s bench, which could explain his relatively modest statistical contributions in the Premier League, where he averages 0.7 tackles, 0.3 interceptions, and 0.7 successful dribbles per game. It’s worth noting that his precision in passing from midfield remains strong, boasting a pass completion rate of 90% in the English top flight (statistics provided by whoscored).
Despite having a contract that runs until the summer of 2028, City’s management have decided to sell him in January which opens the door for potential suitors. However, an asking price of £50 million might pose a difficulty for the clubs vying for his signature.
Will Phillips Be Able To Exit Manchester City This January?
Phillips is a tenacious midfielder known for his keen ability to read the game and efficiently regain possession in the heart of the midfield. He’s not hesitant to make robust clearances when the opposition applies pressure. Although his primary role is that of a defensive midfielder, he showcases the versatility to adapt as a central defender or even operate as a box-to-box midfielder, following the directives of his manager.
The English talent excels in his passing skills, but it’s worth noting that his injury history, while not ideal, may give prospective suitors pause when considering him in the upcoming January transfer window.
Nonetheless, it’s crucial to acknowledge that Phillips possesses a substantial level of talent and untapped potential. His ability to secure possession, orchestrate play, and drive it forward makes him a valuable asset for any team. While Manchester City’s aim to profit from his transfer presents a significant challenge, it doesn’t diminish the potential value that other clubs could find in his services.