Pundit and former Premier League manager Martin O’Neill has suggested that Kalvin Phillips should look to force a move out of Manchester City this summer.
After sharing his hopes of being able to fight for a place in Pep Guardiola’s side this season, the midfielder has not featured in either of City’s two Premier League matches.
In addition to that, the Englishman has been recently linked with a move to Liverpool, as well as other reports suggesting that the Citizens are willing to let Phillips leave on loan before the summer transfer window closes.
O’Neill backs Phillips to make City exit
Now though, one former top-flight manager has had his say on the 27-year-old and his future.
Speaking on talkSPORT, O’Neill had this to say about Phillips.
He said: “If he feels as if he’s not going to get in there at Manchester City why waste the year then if that’s the case?
“My own view was I was hoping that he might just go and battle for it, sometimes you have to bide your time at Manchester City.
“I look at Jack Grealish for a while and then finally flourishing so I then thought to myself that he might be able to stay the course there but honestly if you’re talking international interest and things like this here then perhaps maybe it is the time to move, particularly if he feels now even at his very best he’s not going to play regularly enough at Manchester City.”
After arriving at the Etihad Stadium last summer from Leeds United in a deal worth £45m, Phillips only started four games in all competitions, two of which were in the Premier League but only after City were officially confirmed as champions.
Given his lack of action even in the early stages of the season, it’s easy to see why the England international has been linked with a move away from the club and why O’Neill thinks it would be the best thing for him and his career.
However, we feel that it would be best for City to keep hold of the Englishman in case Rodri were to pick up an injury, then they would have a useful replacement ready.
