Despite joining Manchester City only months ago, Kalvin Phillips has an uncertain future as he’s been short of form, fitness and playing time.
The 27-year-old finds himself on the periphery under Pep Guardiola, spending the majority of his debut season on the treatment table or the bench, so a number of Premier League clubs tried to sign him on loan before the winter transfer window shut.
Phil Thomas of The Sun said on Tuesday that Leeds United, West Ham United and Everton all wanted Phillips to bolster their midfield, but Guardiola wasn’t willing to let him go, likely because there isn’t sufficient cover for Rodri without him.
Phillips has made eight appearances in all competitions this campaign, amassing a paltry 165 minutes. The England international has featured in only 3/20 Premier League outings for City (15%) and has started just one game across the board, so he could do with regular playing time.
A temporary move to another Premier League side would have some appeal if Phillips could feature on a weekly basis, but Guardiola wouldn’t have a secondary option in the deep-lying role if he was loaned out. City’s squad is thin enough, so Phillips needed to be retained.
In other news, Phil Foden struggling for form at Man City
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