Kalvin Phillips has been unable to force his way into the plans of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.placeholder image
Kalvin Phillips has been unable to force his way into the plans of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola. | PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
The ex-Leeds midfielder has been frozen out at Manchester City, and could leave before the January deadline.
Manchester City have made two stellar January signings this month, with Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi coming in at the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola is unlikely to make any more major signings, and it seems that exits are the most likely before the January transfer deadline at 7 pm on Monday.
Midfielder Kalvin Phillips is one of the potential exits on deadline day, as the former Leeds United star has been completely ostracised at the Etihad. He was on loan at Ipswich Town last season and has made only one appearance for City this season, which was in the Carabao Cup.
Burnley and Wolves lead the race for Phillips
Phillips failed to secure a move in the summer, so he still finds himself looking for his next club. It is understood that as deadline day progresses, two clubs could potentially end his Man City nightmare.
According to Caught Offside, Burnley is one team eyeing a move for Phillips, as they try to battle against relegation under Scott Parker. The Man City midfielder could link up with former City and England teammate Kyle Walker, who moved to Turf Moor in the summer.
Furthermore, Wolves are also reportedly keen on signing Phillips amid the growing uncertainty around Joao Gomes’ future. Gomes has been linked with Man United and Atletico Madrid, so Wolves could bring Phillips in to replace the Brazilian should he leave on deadline day or in the summer.
Everton and Leeds were also mentioned in the report as potential destinations for Phillips, although it is understood that Burnley and Wolves are the most likely landing spots for the 30-year-old.
Phillips’ wages could ruin a potential deal
The biggest issue that Phillips faces is that he is on a hefty wage at Man City, which could make it difficult for a lower Premier League club, such as Burnley and Wolves, to sign him before the end of the window.
It is understood that Phillips earns £150,000 per week, which would make him the highest-paid player at both Burnley and Wolves. Gomes is the highest-paid player at Wolves, earning around £105,000 per week, and Walker is Burnley’s highest-paid player, earning around £75,000 per week.
The former Leeds United midfielder would need to take a significant pay cut if he were to leave, which means any departure likely depends on his stance on more game time vs weekly wage bill. However, as he is in his 30’s now, he could begin to prioritise securing his future financially rather than leaving for more game time. Phillips is under contract at Man City until June 2028.
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