Despite a disappointing first season at Manchester City, the club has no plans to sell midfielder Kalvin Phillips this summer, according to sources cited by Football Insider.
The 27-year-old has been linked with a move to West Ham or a return to his former club Leeds United, but reportedly wants to remain at the Etihad Stadium in order to break into Pep Guardiola‘s side.
Kalvin Phillips WANTS to remain at #ManCity as he is determined to break into Pep Guardiola’s side.
— City HQ (@City_HQs) March 27, 2023
[@SportsPeteO] pic.twitter.com/QlkcGUcRNx
Phillips has struggled for game time at City, with just 13 appearances across all competitions this season, playing a total of 342 minutes and starting just twice.
He has also been limited by a recurring shoulder injury which required surgery in September, as well as criticism from Guardiola over his physical condition following the winter World Cup in Qatar.
However, Phillips’ lack of club action has not affected his selection for the England national team, with the midfielder completing 90 minutes in their recent Euro 2024 qualifying win over Italy.
100% behind Kalvin Phillips to succeed at City. 🔵👍🏽 pic.twitter.com/v9xI1o6ZkP
— TheMCFCView (@TheMCFCView__) March 27, 2023
Phillips signed a six-year contract with City when he joined the club last summer for a reported fee of £42million, and earns £150,000-a-week.
Despite his struggles this season, City remain in contention to retain their Premier League title and are also chasing their first Champions League trophy.
They trail league leaders Arsenal by eight points with a game in hand and face a Champions League quarter-final first leg against Bayern Munich on 11 April.
Despite Phillips’ lack of impact this season, it seems that City remain committed to the midfielder and are willing to give him time to prove himself in their star-studded squad.
With his determination to break into the first team and his continued selection for the England national team, there is still hope that he can become a key player for City in the future.
