Newcastle United are reportedly keeping tabs on Kalvin Phillips’ situation at Manchester City.
The Magpies have started making moves in the summer transfer window, and following their Champions League qualification at the end of last season, they have continued the momentum by signing highly coveted midfielder Sandro Tonali from AC Milan. And after the arrival of Tonali, Eddie Howe wants to add another midfielder to his ranks.
According to The Telegraph, Newcastle United are considering an approach for Manchester City’s struggling midfielder Kalvin Phillips (27).
Phillips’ move to Manchester City has not panned out the way he would’ve wanted to, on a personal level, despite the Englishman winning the treble with them last season. The defensive midfielder was extremely unlucky with injuries at the start of the campaign, and when he returned to full fitness after the 2022 World Cup, he couldn’t break into that City side filled with experienced, world-class players.
While Phillips has made it clear he wants to fight for his place under Pep Guardiola, a few Premier League clubs are monitoring his situation. The report adds that a season-long loan deal is the most likely scenario for Newcastle if they wish to sign him this summer.
Kalvin Phillips to Newcastle United—Good fit?
There is an appetite to strengthen Newcastle United’s Champions League-qualifying squad with quality signings over the summer transfer window. There is great optimism in and around the club, with Sandro Tonali becoming the Magpies’ first signing of the summer transfer window.
The arrival of Tonali will only raise the expectations from fans and pundits alike, as Eddie Howe prepares for the club’s first season back in the Champions League for 20 years. Even after adding Tonali, Eddie Howe remains keen on bolstering the centre of the pitch. And Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips is apparently being deemed worthy enough of fulfilling that wish.
Phillips moved to Man City for £45million from Leeds United last summer but started just four games in all competitions across their historic Treble-winning campaign. And while Ilkay Gundogan has now left City on a free transfer, Croatian star Mateo Kovacic has already taken his place in midfield.
The fact that John Stones and Phil Foden are being earmarked for roles in the centre of the pitch next term could see Phillips being shunted further down the pecking order, and with the 2024 European Championships set to take place next summer, he may be forced to leave City for regular game time elsewhere. Furthering that motion, a move to Newcastle would be perfect for the English midfielder as he will get opportunities to play regularly and hopefully regain his confidence.
Phillips has proven with Leeds United and the England national team that he can consistently deliver at the highest level. Knowing how good he can be on his day if Howe manages to get Phillips in the team, players such as Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes will thrive more in the middle of the park.
While the 27-year-old will undoubtedly be a fine fit at St James’ Park, it remains to be seen if Kalvin Phillips would fancy the move as he has reiterated his desire to stay at Man City and fight for his place next term.