Out-of-favour Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips has reportedly emerged as a surprise transfer target for Bayern Munich.
The England international, 27, who joined Manchester City from Leeds United for £42 million last summer, faces uncertainty over his future at the Etihad Stadium after an underwhelming debut campaign. Despite the Cityzens’ historic treble-winning season, the defensive midfielder only started two Premier League games, both of which occurred after Pep Guardiola’s side had clinched the title.
According to German outlet BILD, Kalvin Phillips is on the radar of Bayern Munich. The German champions share a strong relationship with the player’s agency, CAA Stellar which could help facilitate the move.
Phillips, despite not having a great individual campaign with City, was called up to the England squad by Gareth Southgate for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia. The defensive midfielder came off the bench and scored his first goal in England colours earlier this week during their big 7-0 win over North Macedonia at Old Trafford.
Kalvin Phillips to Bayern Munich—Should Man City sell him?
Manchester City are believed to have joined Arsenal in the transfer race for West Ham skipper Declan Rice. Treble-winners City are determined to beat Arsenal to Rice’s signature, despite only entering the race to sign him at the 11th hour. They are in advanced talks with West Ham, as Pep Guardiola views Rice as a replacement for the wantaway Ilkay Gundogan, who is on the brink of joining Barcelona.
If City beat Arsenal in the race and secure the signature of Rice, then Kalvin Phillips’ potential departure could become a legitimate option. However, Phillips could still have a big part to play should he stay in Manchester.
Phillips had a tough debut season at the Etihad Stadium, suffering a shoulder injury during the fourth week of the 2022-23 campaign. The midfielder had to undergo surgery to fix his shoulder, and despite missing a large chunk of the first half of the season, he was fortunate to be named in the England squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Upon returning to City, Phillips wasn’t physically in great shape to start games—as Guardiola suggested. This saw him spend the second half of the campaign largely on City’s bench, with Guardiola preferring the likes of Rodri, Stones, De Bruyne, Gundogan and Lewis in midfield.
Granted, Phillips hasn’t lived up to the lofty expectations at the club, but he still has an awful lot to offer. At 27, Phillips is coming to the peak of his career and would be an option to cover and compete with Rodri next season, assuming he stays fit. The England international was one of the first names on the teamsheet at Leeds, screening the backline by breaking up opposition’s play. It was his tough-tackling performances across the Pennines that moved City to sign him last year.
Having splashed £42 million for his services, it would be naïve from City to give up on Phillips after just one season. Even if they succeed in signing Rice, Guardiola’s side have to compete in four competitions next season, meaning they will need a big squad again. This would make Phillips a top player to have in the squad.