It was predictable Kalvin Phillips would be tipped to leave Manchester City in January after a nightmarish debut season, but the 27-year-old does have a genuine decision to make this month about his short-term future.
Phillips was recently linked with a move to West Ham as David Moyes is considering a replacement for Declan Rice, but it’s highly unlikely a permanent deal would be sanctioned as City would struggle to sign a successor before the winter transfer window shuts.
It’s a similar problem if he was loaned out, but does Phillips want to stay at City while he’s sitting on the bench? The England international has returned from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar in a similar situation to when he first joined up with the squad – subsidiary.
Not only did Pep Guardiola claim the defensive-midfielder was overweight after returning from international duty, he’s left him on the bench for three consecutive Premier League games and didn’t have him in the matchday squad for their EFL Cup clash.
Phillips has made just four appearances in all competitions this season due to injury and Rodri being first-choice in his position. The 27-year-old looks likely to spend the remainder of the campaign as Rodri’s backup, so might he seek out a temporary move for playing time?
Or should Phillips continue fighting for opportunities in Manchester, even if his minutes are sporadic?
In other news, Blackpool set to sign Morgan Rodgers on loan
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