Manchester City have agreed a £45million transfer to sign Kalvin Phillips from Leeds United on a five-year contract. City made a lucrative offer to the England midfielder and Leeds United. The club could not turn down City’s offer to sign their midfielder as it favors both parties. In a matter of few days, City reached an agreement in principle with the club to sign the player. Personal terms have never been an issue as the player has shown the desire to play for the Citizens.
Pep Guardiola is an admirer of the player and he is determined to bring him to the club to strengthen his midfield. Philips is a very intelligent player, who could play in a defensive midfield position or a central midfield position. His ability to win the ball off opponents and drive forward confidently with the ball is one attribute Pep Guardiola admires about his players.
City are losing their club captain Fernandinho, as he decided not to renew his contract with the club after ten-year stay at the club. Fernandinho has contributed to most of the successes of the club, and thinks he has paid his dues enough to depart the club. The club needs a quick replacement for him and Philips quality could not be overlooked by any manager.
Kalvin Phillips comes in as a direct replacement for Fernandinho to compete in the midfield position with Rodri. Rodri is Pep’s first choice in that position but, as they will be competing in several competitions this season, the signing of Rodri makes a very good sense since Pep would be rotating his team frequently.
Kalvin Phillips was seriously linked with a move to City rivals, Manchester United, but United did not show any significant interest to bring the player to Old Trafford. It is believed that Manchester United cooled their interest in the player because of the rivalry between Leeds United and the club. Leeds United and Manchester United are fiercest rivals and Leeds would not want to transfer any of their players to Manchester United.
Leeds would always opt to transfer their players to other teams than Manchester United. Rio Ferdinand was transferred to Manchester United from Leeds and Ferdinand never had it easy. He was provided with security whenever he traveled to the city, and Philips could not afford to put himself in the same position more seriously being a native of the city.
Pep Guardiola wants to build a winsome side to conquer Europe as he aims to win the Champions league next season. A trophy that has eluded him since he left Barcelona. He has won several domestic trophies and has been to the finals of the champions league with City in 2021, but he was defeated 1-0 by Chelsea.
City have already signed Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund to come and lead their attack next season and the signing of Philips to reinforce the midfield is a statement of intent. The club want to back Pep with any signings he would need to improve his squad, in order for them to retain the English Premier League title and try to win the Champions League.
However, the club have transferred their striker Gabriel Jesus to Arsenal, as he is deemed surplus by the manager.
