Kalvin Phillips’ summer may make or break his career, to borrow a phrase from Hollywood. The midfielder is at a crossroads in his career after a big money move to Manchester City that has, to put it generously, underwhelmed and a subsequent loan stay at West Ham that could not have transpired in a less auspicious form. If you choose the wrong turn, relative obscurity is waiting for you.
The 28-year-old used to have the entire world at his disposal. That was not too long ago. As a protector for his childhood team Leeds United and a seemingly indispensable member of Gareth Southgate’s exciting England team, the Yorkshire Pirlo appeared to be about to achieve greatness. However, no one could have predicted that the “something” in question would be a string of letdowns and a journey through the gloom. Consequently, it’s widely believed that Phillips will depart from the Etihad in some manner throughout the upcoming weeks. Though you believe that a permanent departure would be best for the player and the team, there’s always a chance for another go at a Premier League loan. As of this writing, it is believed that City may consider bids for their asset that total about £20 million. The problem, of course, is that the midfielder’s value has drastically dropped recently, and as a result, the number of suitors eager to buy him has noticeably shrunk. However, one club seems to be still very much in it. Given that Amadou Onana is getting closer to joining Aston Villa, it seems likely that Everton will need new engine room personnel sooner rather than later. Additionally, once Onana’s departure is officially confirmed, the Toffees may very well focus on Phillips, according to former Goodison Park CEO Keith Wyness. He stated, “The whisper is they will move for Kalvin Phillips, who Everton have been linked with for a while,” in an interview with Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast. That would provide the midfield much-needed experience. Although he is not quite onana’s caliber, he is comparable and would undoubtedly add a great deal of experience and strength to the midfield. We could have been a little bit lacking that last year. I believe Sean will pursue experience, ideally with someone similar to Phillips, so that will be fascinating to watch.
If Wyness’s predictions materialize, only time will tell, but it’s quite feasible that Everton might set themselves up for a steal. And should they, it might be a crucial transition for both of them.
both the player and the club. Phillips obviously needs a new beginning, and the Toffees would provide him just that. Equally important, though, is Sean Dyche making sure that Onana’s successor in the middle of the park is a deserving and appropriate one.
The Belgian is a different proposition than Phillips, as Wyness suggests; more physically strong and driven. However, the City player has his own talents as well. His exceptional distribution range and ability to thwart attacks and win back possession for his team would make him a valuable addition to Everton. Naturally, a lot of this will depend on the Phillips version that shows up on Merseyside, assuming the Toffees proceed with an arrangement. Will it will it be the unnamed ghost of the player who plodded through his time with West Ham, or will it be the brilliant midfield general who made such an impression for Leeds? It is hoped that the former will occur and that he can return to his very best and benefit Everton in the process.