Are Kalvin Phillips days at Manchester City numbered? It’s a question that lingers leading into the international break. The England international has failed to make a significant impact at the Etihad during his time at Manchester City.
When the treble winners took on Arsenal last weekend, Kalvin Phillips name was missing from Pep Guardiola’s starting eleven. With Rodri serving the final game of his three-game suspension it appeared the perfect opportunity for Phillips to start in a big game. Instead, the champions lined up with Bernardo Silva, Mateo Kovacic and Rico Lewis in midfield. The former Leeds United man didn’t get on the pitch as City went down 1-nil to Arsenal.
With Rodri suspended Phillips spoke of the Spanish midfielder’s suspension being the biggest week of his Manchester City career. He started in the 1-nil Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle and featured off the bench in the champion’s defeat at Molineux to Wolves. He didn’t feature as Rodri returned for the European champions 3-1 win over RB Leipzig in Germany and missed out all together against Arsenal.
It has been reported by Mark Douglas of inews.co.uk that Phillips may leave City in January. In addition to his report, Douglas adds that Newcastle and Everton have interest in the midfielder.
Pep Guardiola recently admitted he hasn’t gotten the best out of Phillips during his spell at City. The midfielder reportedly turned down moves in the summer to fight for his place in the treble winner’s squad.
With clubs interested in securing the England international it does appear that a January move may suit both parties. Guardiola’s refusal to pick Kalvin Phillips despite Rodri’s suspension does point to the midfielder’s days being numbered at the Etihad.
