Kalvin Phillips is edging closer to a loan move away from Manchester City, with Sheffield United now finalising terms for the midfielder to return to Yorkshire. Credit to [Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/football/live-blog/11741/12476234/transfer-centre-live-football-transfer-news-updates-and-rumours?postid=10973081#liveblog-body) for reporting that Phillips is “closing in on a deal” which would see him spend the rest of the season at Bramall Lane.
There was interest from other clubs, Sky Sports News has been told, but the 28 year old is keen on the Blades. The motivation is clear. Phillips wants “a move back to Yorkshire to try to rejuvenate his career”, after a frustrating campaign at Manchester City.
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Limited minutes drive decision
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Phillips has played “just seven minutes of football for Man City this season, in the Carabao Cup”. That lack of opportunity has sharpened the need for regular football, something Sheffield United can offer as they push through the second half of the campaign.
City are expected to support the deal financially. It is “thought Man City will still pay the bulk of Phillips’ salary while he is on loan at Bramall Lane”, a compromise that allows all parties to move forward.
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Phillips has never lacked professionalism, but it has been clear for some time that his role at City had narrowed beyond recovery this season. Seven minutes in one cup competition tells its own story.
City fans will largely wish him well. Phillips was signed with genuine belief in his qualities, but the fit never quite aligned with the demands of Guardiola’s midfield. A loan move allows him to rebuild confidence and rhythm without closing the door completely.
There is also understanding around City paying most of his wages. Supporters recognise that squad management at this level sometimes means absorbing costs to protect harmony and careers. For City, this move clears space and reduces noise. For Phillips, it offers something more valuable than minutes, relevance.
If he thrives at Sheffield United, City fans will see it as proof that the player was never the problem, just the circumstances. In that sense, this loan feels like good business and good faith from a club that rarely lets situations drift.