Liverpool are reportedly eyeing a shock summer swoop for Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
The Merseyside giants have started their midfield reshuffle with the signings of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. They remain in the market for more midfield signings, with Fabinho and Jordan Henderson both looking highly likely to depart for Saudi Arabia. If, as expected, the Fabinho deal goes through then the Reds would intensify their efforts of signing a new holding midfielder.
According to The Athletic, Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips is among the names considered by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.
Phillips, 27, struggled for game time during his debut campaign at Manchester City following his summer move from Leeds United, making just 21 appearances in all competitions as Pep Guardiola’s side won the historic Treble. In fact, he only managed four starts, with Rodri being a permanent fixture in the holding midfield role.
The England international is keen to remain at the Etihad Stadium and fight for his place, but could be sold with Liverpool, West Ham and Newcastle among his potential suitors, the report adds.
Kalvin Phillips to Liverpool—Should the Reds go all out for his pursuit?
Along with Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Liverpool also released James Milner upon the expiry of his contract at the end of last season. In what could come as a surprise for Liverpool fans, two more experienced midfielders are heading for exit with Fabinho and Jordan Henderson seemingly heading for Saudi Arabia. Losing experienced campaigners and leaders like Milner, Henderson and Fabinho in one summer would be a big blow for Jurgen Klopp.
After the acquisitions of Mac Allister and Szoboszlai, Klopp would have wanted one more midfielder this time last week, but may now need at least two in order to rebuild their ranks. To replace Fabinho, who is heavily linked with a move to Saudi club Al Ittihad, the Liverpool boss is considering a move for Kalvin Phillips.
Liverpool had the chance to sign Phillips from Leeds United last summer, but passed up the chance before Man City acquired his signature. The 27-year-old was outstanding for Leeds following their promotion in 2020, whilst becoming a regular for England at Euro 2020. He joined City amidst a lot of fanfare in 2022 but the switch didn’t quite work out last season, with the defensive midfielder starting just two Premier League games amidst injury problems.
As a result, Phillips’ future at City has been brought into question. Keeping his situation in mind, Liverpool are looking to lure him away from the Etihad Stadium to Anfield. Fabinho’s departure to Al Ittihad would pave the way for Phillips to play regularly and resurrect his career that has stuttered in the last 12 months.
Liverpool are a huge entity in Europe and will be desperate to bounce back after a rather disappointing campaign that saw them miss out on Champions League qualification. Despite no Champions League football next term, they still remain an attractive proposition which could tempt Phillips into changing his stance.
Energetic, tireless and no-nonsense, the England international would be a solid replacement for Fabinho at Liverpool. Phillips has the qualities to thrive in Klopp’s high-octane system while adding to the vital depth of the squad.
Even if Phillips decides to join Liverpool, whether City would even want to sell to one of their biggest Premier League rivals shall be an interesting watch.
