Barcelona now want to sign Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City as Xavi targets midfield reinforcements.
That is according to the Telegraph.
So, what is the situation involving Kalvin Phillips and Barcelona? Let’s take a look…
Barcelona want Kalvin Phillips
Well, the England international has made just two Premier League starts under Pep Guardiola since arriving in a £45m deal from Leeds United back in July 2022.
Despite that, Barcelona still want to sign Phillips this month – according to the Telegraph.
It is said that the 28-year-old’s future is set to be decided next week as a number of clubs attempt to sign him, including Crystal Palace, West Ham and Newcastle.
The Telegraph claim that Newcastle and Juventus were previously at the front of the queue to sign Phillips, although the pair have since stalled over a move.
It comes after ESPN claimed that Manchester City want a £7m loan fee for the Yorkshireman, along with an obligation to buy him on a permanent basis this summer.
That same story states that Phillips wants a move as he targets a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for UEFA EURO 2024 this summer, but has continued to work hard in training like a model professional.
Manchester City should negotiate with Barcelona
In our view, sending Phillips on loan to Barcelona would be a wise move.
The Manchester City No.4 would be able to learn from a master in Xavi, while also displaying his qualities regularly as part of the starting XI in the UEFA Champions League – which could enhance his value ahead of a permanent summer exit.
Manchester City are said to be wary of the midfielder’s value decreasing while out on loan, although we feel that would be highly unlikely to happen if Phillips spends the rest of the 2023/24 campaign playing alongside Ilkay Gundogan in Spain.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as anything could happen before transfer deadline day.
