Sheffield United completed a statement signing on deadline day, landing Kalvin Phillips on loan from Manchester City.
New Sheffield United recruit Kalvin Phillips has said getting the opportunity to move to Bramall Lane from Manchester City is “a perfect fit” for him at this juncture in his career.
The midfield enforcer completed an eye-catching deadline day loan move to the Blades on Monday evening, joining the club for the remainder of the season.
Phillips, who started every game for England at the rearranged European Championship in 2021, helping them reach the final, will be hoping to resurrect his career at Bramall Lane after what has been a challenging season for him so far, earning just one appearance on the other side of the Pennines.
Since joining City from Leeds United in July 2022, the midfielder, 30, has made just 32 appearances for the club either side of loan spells at West Ham United and Ipswich Town respectively.
With opportunities having dried up at the Etihad Stadium, Phillips is keen to start enjoying himself again, insisting a temporary move to Bramall Lane will give him the best possible chance of achieving that ambition.
Asked why he has joined the Blades, he told the club’s YouTube channel: “Sheffield United is close to home. I spoke to the manager, I saw the calibre of players that they have, and I just want to play football and enjoy myself being close to home.
“I felt like Sheffield United was a perfect fit.”
Phillips hails Wilder
On the opportunity to work with Blades boss Chris Wilder, the former Leeds man continued: “I have always liked Chris. I have always liked the manager. Obviously, I played against and had a few battles against his teams.
“I have just always thought he is a really good manager, an honest manager, and hard-working as well. That was something I looked for, and I feel like I will enjoy playing under him.”
United unveiled Phillips as their second deadline day signing, announcing his arrival at 7.15pm, sandwiched between the arrivals of Leo Hjelde and Joe Rothwell. The situation developed at speed after Phillips only learnt of United’s eagerness to get a deal done a few hours earlier.
Asked how quickly the deal materialised, the midfielder added: “Very quick. I got told at midday today (Monday) that I was coming here. I made my way over here and just sorted everything out.”
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