Fantastic Manchester city star now ‘set to leave Manchester City this January amid Newcastle United

“Kalvin Phillips Poised for Manchester City Exit Amid Interest from Newcastle United, Everton, and More”

Kalvin Phillips appears increasingly likely to depart from Manchester City in the upcoming January transfer window, with several clubs, including Newcastle United and Everton, expressing their interest.

The 27-year-old midfielder has faced a challenging 15 months at the Etihad Stadium since his transfer from Leeds United in July 2022. During this time, he made just five starts out of 26 appearances for Manchester City across various tournaments.

Injuries and the exceptional form of fellow midfield standout Rodri were the key factors preventing Phillips from securing a regular place in the first team last season.

When Rodri received a three-match domestic suspension for violent conduct last month, many expected Phillips to seize the opportunity and feature in the starting lineup under Pep Guardiola. However, despite playing a full 90 minutes in a League Cup match against Newcastle, Phillips found himself back on the substitutes’ bench for fixtures against RB Leipzig, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Arsenal.

Guardiola has turned to summer signings Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes to fill the central midfield role, with 18-year-old versatile full-back Rico Lewis and Bernardo Silva occasionally taking up deeper midfield positions alongside Lewis in the lineup.

Despite having five years left on his contract at the Etihad, Phillips now faces an uncertain future, having fallen further down the pecking order under Guardiola.

According to The i, Manchester City were open to letting Phillips leave in the summer, but the player expressed his desire to stay and fight for his place. However, the likelihood of Phillips departing Manchester City in January is now on the rise.

The report suggests that a loan move in the winter transfer window is the most probable outcome, as there is expected to be significant interest in his services.

Newcastle showed interest in Phillips during the summer and could revive their pursuit in January. Eddie Howe already boasts a wealth of midfield options, including Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Sean Longstaff, Joelinton, Elliot Anderson, and the currently injured Joe Willock. However, the prospect of competing in the Champions League alongside domestic duties may prompt Newcastle to seek additional midfield reinforcements in the New Year.

Everton is another club linked with interest in Phillips, although a loan move appears to be the only feasible option due to their financial constraints and ownership uncertainties.

Arsenal has also been mentioned as a potential destination for Phillips, with reports suggesting that Mikel Arteta has identified the English midfielder as his primary target in the midfield for 2024.

Rumors have circulated about a possible move to either Liverpool or West Ham United for Phillips, who is currently away on international duty with England, preparing for a friendly against Australia and two Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Malta later this month.

If Manchester City decides to part ways with Phillips, Guardiola’s side could intensify their interest in Benfica’s 19-year-old midfielder, Joao Neves.