Journalist Alex Crook has suggested that Kalvin Phillips is likely to leave Manchester City in the upcoming January transfer window.
The midfielder was linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium during the previous summer transfer window but said that he wanted to stay and fight for a place in Pep Guardiola’s side.
Since then, the Englishman has hinted that he could look to move away from the Manchester club in January in an effort to get more game time elsewhere and secure his place in England’s squad for Euro 2024.
Now, one journalist has spoken out about the situation surrounding Phillips and what the upcoming winter window could look like for him.
Crook backs Phillips for City exit
Speaking in a recent edition of talkSPORT’s Premier League All Access podcast, Crook had this to say about Phillips and the possibility of him leaving City in January.
He said: “I think that’s almost nailed on now. In fairness, I don’t think City would have stood in his way if he wanted to leave in the summer.
“I know there was interest late in the window from Liverpool and there were various other Premier League clubs sniffing around as well but he wanted to give himself one more chance to persuade Pep Guardiola that he could feature regularly for the treble winners. Obviously, that hasn’t happened.
“He was in the tunnel at Stamford Bridge last week when I was conducting the post-match interviews he was laughing and joking away with Rico Lewis, so clearly he’s managed to maintain an upbeat personality. I think it’s best for all concerned now if Kalvin Phillips moves on.
“The fascinating thing will be where because if it is to be Newcastle, who are obviously crying out for someone to replace [Sandro] Tonali, it would have to be a loan deal because their finances are really tight at the moment with FFP.
“Now, Many City won’t see Newcastle as rivals for the Championship at this moment in time but they might just be a little bit reluctant to aid Newcastle in their pursuit of getting into the top four again because obviously that strengthens them as a football club and as a brand.
“He may well go abroad, there’s interest from clubs in Serie A, so a big decision for Kalvin Phillips to make.”
Since City paid £45m to sign the 27-year-old from Leeds United during the 2022 summer transfer window, the player has only made 29 appearances across all competitions, starting just five games.
Having only started one of the eight games he has featured in across this current campaign, it’s easy to see why the tables have now turned in terms of Phillips potentially looking to leave City in January to secure regular game time elsewhere.
Looking ahead to January, if a deal is worked out that would see the midfielder walk away from City, we feel that the club will have to make sure they have a suitable replacement in case they are struck with injury problems to their other squad options.
