Kalvin Phillips is set to be included in Manchester City’s 25-man Premier League squad, giving him an unexpected chance to revive his career at the Etihad Stadium.
The 29-year-old midfielder has not played for City since the Club World Cup in 2023 and had been widely expected to leave this summer after consecutive loan spells.
But Pep Guardiola appears ready to keep him involved this season, with Phillips returning to training and working on his fitness.
Phillips spent last year on loan at Ipswich Town, making appearances in half of their matches before they were relegated.
The season before that he joined West Ham United, a move that started poorly with two mistakes and a red card. His game time improved at Ipswich, yet there was still an expectation he would be loaned out again.
City’s manager suggested earlier this year that he wanted a smaller squad, but injuries have reshaped those plans. Rodri is fit again, though Mateo Kovacic is sidelined until October, leaving Phillips with a possible route back into matchday squads.
It marks a dramatic shift for a player signed in 2022 from Leeds United for £45m, at a time when he was firmly established in Gareth Southgate’s England side.
He had been key to England’s run to the Euro 2020 final under Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds, but has since fallen out of international contention. His last cap came in November 2023.
Phillips’ time at City has been marked by setbacks. An early injury required surgery shortly after his arrival, and when he returned, the World Cup in Qatar disrupted his progress further.
Guardiola then criticised his physical condition, publicly commenting on his weight. The midfielder ended that season with just 21 appearances in all competitions.
Loans followed, and his Etihad career looked over at the start of this summer. Yet the decision to include him in the squad signals a potential lifeline, even if his role remains uncertain.
Guardiola has often redeployed players into different positions, and with City short at right-back, Phillips could even be considered as a defensive option.
Phillips was pictured training with City earlier this week, and he could be named among the substitutes when Manchester United visit the Etihad Stadium this weekend.
After two years of frustration, the next few months may decide whether he still has a future in Manchester.