According to a report from Manchester Evening News, Newcastle United have eliminated the possibility of acquiring Manchester City outcast Kalvin Phillips this summer. City have set a substantial £7 million fee for Phillips to go out on loan to the Magpies.
It has been mentioned that Newcastle, facing Financial Fair Play constraints, cannot meet this figure. Consequently, the Magpies have withdrawn from the competition for the midfielder. Nonetheless, West Ham United are poised to secure the loan signing of Kalvin Phillips next week, dealing a significant blow to Newcastle.
Phillips, eager to enhance his chances with the English national team in Euro 2024, is prepared to depart Manchester City. West Ham’s manager, David Moyes, is offering Phillips more playing time than Newcastle and has agreed to match his current £130,000-a-week salary from City.
Challenges Persist For Phillips At Manchester City
Kalvin Phillips continues to face difficulties in securing a consistent role within Pep Guardiola’s Etihad squad. The English midfielder has participated in only 10 matches across various competitions this season.
Despite his commitment, the 27-year-old frequently finds himself on the sidelines, resulting in 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 his limited playing time. Nevertheless, his notable strength lies in midfield distribution, showcasing an impressive 90% pass completion rate in England’s top flight (statistics sourced from whoscored).
Will Phillips Be Able To Secure An Exit In The Current Transfer Window?
Kalvin Phillips, renowned for his tenacity and resilience in midfield, showcases exceptional ability in winning possession during midfield battles. His proactive approach to neutralizing threats is commendable, coupled with admirable passing skills. While proficient in orchestrating attacks in the opponent’s territory, Phillips recognizes the need to enhance his offensive contributions for a more impactful role in the forward lines.
Despite showcasing significant potential during his tenure at Leeds United, his time with the Sky Blues has not panned out as hoped. Now, at a crucial point in his career, he is in search of assured playing opportunities and is contemplating a departure from the Etihad. West Ham emerges as an ideal destination for Phillips to realize this objective, potentially benefiting both him and the team in the years to come. With increased playing time, he could also bolster his chances of earning an international call-up for the 2024 Euro Cup.