“He can leave during the next transfer window, he’s not needed anymore. He was a good player but now he’s just a bench warming flop” – Manchester City is approving the exit of one of their key first-team players for a fee of only €50million
Newcastle United is actively pursuing a January loan deal for 27-year-old Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips. Phillips is eager to secure more playing time, as he finds himself down the pecking order at Manchester City. He initially gained recognition for his impressive performances at Leeds United, playing a significant role in their promotion to the Premier League.
His move to Manchester City in the summer of 2022 was anticipated to be a turning point in his career, but things have not gone as planned. Despite the high expectations under Pep Guardiola’s guidance, Phillips has struggled to earn the manager’s trust and has seen limited opportunities during his 15-month tenure at the club. This season, he has featured in just six matches, accumulating a mere 168 minutes on the pitch. Consequently, the 27-year-old is now actively seeking a move away from Manchester City.
Phillips’ primary objective is to secure regular first-team football, as he aims to maintain his spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the Euro 2024 in Germany. While several clubs have expressed interest in the midfielder, Manchester City is unlikely to allow him to leave on the cheap.
Concurrently, Newcastle United is among the clubs that have shown interest in Phillips and is actively exploring a short-term loan deal for the player. The Magpies find themselves in need of a new midfielder following the 10-month suspension handed to their marquee summer signing, Sandro Tonali, for his involvement in illegal betting. Tonali’s ban means he won’t be available until the start of the next season, prompting Newcastle to seek a replacement. While they are keen on Phillips, the club is looking to secure him on a short-term loan, primarily due to financial fair play (FFP) constraints.
The report indicates that Manchester City is not likely to obstruct Phillips’ departure, and the player is reportedly eager to join Newcastle. Such a move would be mutually beneficial, affording Phillips the desired regular playing time while potentially raising his market value, potentially triggering a bidding war during the summer transfer window. This development offers an interesting storyline to watch in the coming transfer window.
