Manchester City confirmed the signing of Kalvin Phillips from Leeds United on a six-year deal, setting them back £42m. The 26-year-old wanted to play for Pep Guardiola over any other manager, but his debut season at the Etihad Stadium might be testing.
Phillips isn’t guaranteed a starting place under Guardiola this season as Rodri is first-choice in the holding role. The England international’s best assets are turning over possession and having high levels of industry in midfield too, so fans shouldn’t expect him to pull up trees creatively.
He’s coming off the back of a disappointing season too, being injured for long periods which limited playing time, so Phillips has a lot to prove to Guardiola. The 26-year-old impressed at the European Championships in 2021 but made just 23 appearances for Leeds from a possible 42 the following campaign and wasn’t fully fit.
Despite the lofty transfer fee, Phillips will be Rodri’s deputy to begin with. Vital Man City have warned the 26-year-old might be used as a makeshift fullback at times as if he’s not commanding a starting place. Guardiola isn’t afraid to move players into new roles.
In other news, Man City should sign Serge Gnabry to replace Raheem Sterling