In a recent report, Tuttomercatoweb claimed that West Ham United are facing stiff competition for Manchester City ace Kalvin Phillips. It has been stated that the Hammers would have to rival Newcastle United and Juventus in pursuit of the English midfielder next year.
Phillips’ Lack Of Playing Time At The Etihad Stadium This Season
Phillips has been a sporadic feature in Pep Guardiola’s squad this season as he has often found himself behind Rodri, John Stones, Rico Lewis and Bernardo Silva in Man City’s pecking order. The 27-year-old has made eight appearances for the Mancunian outfit during this campaign but has failed to score or assist a goal for them across various competitions.
The English talent has seen all of his game time come as a substitute which explains why he is only averaging 0.8 tackles, 0.5 interceptions and 0.5 clearances per 90 minutes in Premier League football. He has been careful when distributing possession from midfield after completing 89.7% of his attempted passes in the English first division (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the Mancunian club will run out in the summer of 2028. Hence, it would be difficult for West Ham to sign him on the cheap in the upcoming winter transfer window.
West Ham United Are Facing Competition For Phillips: Is He Worth The Fight?
Phillips is a good tackler of the ball and can make some crucial interceptions for his side when he is playing regularly on the pitch. He usually puts through the ball when the opposition are on the front foot. The English midfield ace is a tidy passer of the ball as well but is in dire need of more game time if he wants to get his career back on track.
Phillips would inject more bite and steel into West Ham boss David Moyes’ midfield. He might even help the Hammers challenge across all fronts in the coming years.
All in all, the East London club should focus on getting a deal done for Phillips as he will be well worth the fight as long as the player can steer clear of injuries in the future.
