Kalvin Phillips could be surplus to requirements again at Man City.
Pep Guardiola has not ruled out some of his Manchester City players leaving in the summer transfer window amid Everton’s interest in Kalvin Phillips. The midfielder is on the Toffees’ list of targets following the exit of Amadou Onana to Aston Villa for £50 million. It means that Sean Dyche is an option short in the engine room, with Andre Gomes departing at the end of last season. While Tim Iroegbunam was recruited from Villa for around £9 million, the Everton manager may want more experience and nous – which Phillips would provide.
The 28-year-old has struggled at City since signing from Leeds United for a reported £43 million two years ago. He’s been a bit-part player for Premier League champions and was loaned to West Ham United for the second half of last season. While he also endured a difficult time at the Hammers, Dyche may feel he can rejuvenate Phillips, who played a key role when England reached the Euro 2020 final.
Phillips is accompanying Guardiola’s team as they go on a preseason tour of the United States. Guardiola has ruled out the possibility that star player Kevin De Bruyne may move to Saudi Arabia, despite much discussion to the contrary. However, the manager of Etihad Stadium acknowledged that additional players may depart.
Guardiola stated, “I don’t know what will happen in the market,” according to the Manchester Evening News. “We have enough time on the squad to discuss about departures. Naturally, we still have opportunities till the very end. While I wouldn’t completely rule out the possibility of adding new players, I believe that 85, 90, or 95 percent of our current roster will remain.
“I am at ease because our squad consists of people whose caliber is hard to replace and will always remain.” But we’ll see. I’m not sure whether we’ll make a decision at the last minute if someone comes for some players and they depart.
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