Kalvin Phillips has endured a difficult debut season at Manchester City and Pep Guardiola hasn’t given him too many opportunities as Rodri has been first-choice in midfield, so his long-term future might be in doubt.
Javier Parra Peña of Fichajes believes Guardiola could be looking to move Phillips on already as he’s ‘not performing’ and has identified Enzo Fernandez as his replacement. City are reportedly ‘following’ the 22-year-old after he impressed at the World Cup, but it remains to be seen if they’ll make a move.
Fernandez joined Benfica on a five-year deal last summer and has gone on to make 28 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals with seven assists.
The Argentine is a brilliant midfielder, boasting more tackles (2.4) in the Primeira Liga than any City player this season while only two of Guardiola’s men have more interceptions, but City surely aren’t going to sign him unless an existing player leaves.
Chelsea are interested in the midfielder and look more likely than City to procure Fernandez’s signature, so Peña’s claim may not be accurate. Phillips hasn’t had the best time in Manchester, but Guardiola isn’t likely to axe him after just one season.
Finding a suitor wouldn’t be easy, especially to recoup the £44.1m spent, though Fernandez would arguably be an upgrade.
For more Manchester City news and opinion, please follow our Vital Football page on Facebook – Vital Man City. Click the link and get involved!
Can you name these Man City players from the 2000s? Test your knowledge, take the quiz and challenge your friends and family to beat your score