In response to interest from Bayern Munich, Kalvin Phillips has suggested a January transfer away from Manchester City.
WHAT OCCURED? The midfielder struggled to get consistent playing time under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium, making just three substitute appearances for City in the Premier League so far this season. However, Gareth Southgate gave him a start in England’s 3-1 Euro 2024 qualification victory against Italy.
To maintain his spot in the England starting XI, Phillips acknowledged that he must play more. He also said that he will evaluate his options in the months leading up to 2024.
WHAT THEY SAID: “I know that I need to be competing and playing games every weekend,” he told the press. “I’ll have to decide on [my future] during the upcoming months. Gareth Southgate merely asserts that I must be playing games in order to maintain my position. I wish to go in that direction. On that, I concur with Gareth.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Phillips, who joined City for £45 million ($55 million) in July 2022, has reportedly caught Bayern’s attention, and the German club may make a January offer for the midfielder. The midfielder is reportedly a favorite of Thomas Tuchel, who may advocate for a brief loan agreement.
City was prepared to sell him in the summer, but the player insisted on remaining at the Etihad, so they will likely let him go if they receive a good offer.
THEN WHAT? After a fruitful international break, Phillips will return to Manchester City with the hopes of impressing Guardiola in practice before Saturday’s Premier League match against Brighton.
