Manchester City are focused on incomings in the summer transfer window but also need to move players out of Pep Guardiola's squad
Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City lifts the trophy with Rico Lewis, Kalvin Phillips and Ruben Dias during the UEFA Champions League 2022/23 final
Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City lifts the trophy with Rico Lewis, Kalvin Phillips and Ruben Dias during the UEFA Champions League 2022/23 final
(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Manchester City have been dealt a transfer blow after Kalvin Phillips underwent surgery on an Achilles injury. The Blues midfielder will be out of action until August, limiting the club's options to find a buyer for him as they look to transform the squad this summer.
Phillips was signed by City for £45m from Leeds in 2022, but never came close to hitting expectations to help take the strain off Rodri in the midfield. He was chastised by Pep Guardiola in his first season for returning 'overweight' from a break after the World Cup, endured a difficult loan move to West Ham in the second half of his second season and spent last year on loan at Ipswich.
The England international still has two years left on his deal at the Etihad but another move is expected for this summer given he is not part of Pep Guardiola's plans in Manchester. However, news that the player will be sidelined for at least two months will hinder those chances of getting a move.
After three difficult years since signing for City, Phillips needs a club to take a chance on him if he is to restore his reputation in the top divisions. But, whether signing on loan or permanently, clubs are keen for new recruits to have the benefit of a full pre-season with them if they are going to pay a significant fee or wage on them.
Phillips's injury means that City may have to wait for the final weeks of the transfer window before they can agree a deal, limiting the options for club and player. Phillips will also have to convince he can be free of injuries after missing 10 Premier League games last season at Ipswich.
"A frustrating end to a tough season," he wrote on social media about his latest loan spell. "I just wanted to say thank you Ipswich Town.
"Thank you to the fans for making me and my family feel so loved after a difficult two years. Thank you to the staff and players, an unbelievable group that I loved being around every day.
"And a special thanks to the manager, a great manager but also a great person, who’s helped me on and off the pitch in so many ways. He made me believe in myself again.
"I have no doubt Ipswich will be back where they belong very soon and I wish everyone at the club all the best."
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