England midfielder Kalvin Phillips has joined West Ham United on loan from Manchester City for the remainder of the season.
The 28-year-old, who signed a six-year contract with City in July 2022 for a £45 million deal, expressed his eagerness to contribute the quality he believes he’s capable of to the Hammers’ squad.
The loan deal does not include an option to buy, making it a short-term arrangement aimed at revitalizing Phillips’ playing time and providing West Ham with a midfield boost.
Despite his considerable talent, Phillips struggled for game time during his 18 months at Manchester City under the management of Pep Guardiola.
With just two starts and 16 total Premier League appearances, the midfielder found himself on the fringes of the squad.
His limited playing opportunities prompted interest from several other clubs, including Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, and Juventus.
Phillips’ arrival at West Ham comes at a crucial time for manager David Moyes, who has been grappling with injuries affecting key players.
Lucas Paqueta and Michail Antonio are facing extended periods on the sidelines, while Edson Alvarez missed the recent FA Cup defeat against Bristol City due to a calf problem.
Phillips’ addition is expected to bolster Moyes’ squad and provide much-needed depth in the midfield.
Incoming message from @KalvinPhillips 🤳 pic.twitter.com/1uKITOCNUn
— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 26, 2024
Expressing his anticipation for the second half of the season, Phillips spoke highly of West Ham’s squad, emphasizing the opportunity to contribute his quality to the team.
With West Ham currently sitting in sixth place in the Premier League and progressing to the Europa League knockout rounds, the addition of a player of Phillips’ calibre is seen as a positive development.
West Ham manager David Moyes expressed his delight at securing Phillips, describing him as a player of quality with proven Premier League experience.
Moyes believes that Phillips will add strength and competition to the squad, and the Hammers’ supporters can look forward to witnessing his contributions in the coming months.
For Kalvin Phillips, the move to West Ham provides a valuable opportunity to secure regular playing time, something he found elusive at Manchester City.
With the UEFA European Championship approaching in Germany, Phillips will be keen to impress and boost his chances of representing England on the international stage.
