Since September, Kalvin Phillips has seen limited playing time in the Premier League, with only 19 minutes, making his preparation for Euro 2024 insufficient. Anticipating a departure from Manchester City this month is not surprising, considering he has started only two of his ten games this season and six out of thirty-one games since joining in 2022.
Initially brought in to challenge Rodri for his position, Phillips faced competition as Rodri evolved into one of the best defensive midfielders globally. Despite Phillips’ recent appearance in the Club World Cup semi-final about a month ago, Pep Guardiola hasn’t ruled out a January departure for the player.
Several clubs, including Newcastle, Tottenham, Fulham, and Crystal Palace, have expressed interest in Phillips. Newcastle, constrained by Financial Fair Play considerations, may opt for a loan, while City might seek a loan fee for the 28-year-old, influencing clubs’ decisions.
Phillips himself acknowledged the importance of playing games for his spot in the national team, expressing his desire to compete regularly. Guardiola, when questioned about a potential transfer in December, remained non-committal, emphasizing the club’s final say on Phillips’ future. The uncertainty surrounding Phillips’ status during the transfer window adds to the intrigue of his potential departure from Manchester City.