Liverpool have identified Manchester City outcast Kalvin Phillips as an alternative signing to Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham.
Kalvin Phillips, 27, joined Manchester City from Leeds United for around £45 million last summer but has had a first season to forget under Pep Guardiola, failing to live up to the price tag in his new environment. The English midfielder has spent a significant amount of time either out injured or on the bench. The 27-year-old has managed only seven Premier League appearances and his only starts have been against Bristol City and Southampton in the cup competitions.
Now, Phillips is already prepared to leave Man City a year after his transfer from Leeds. A move to Liverpool is understood to appeal to the defensive midfielder as he looks to revive his career at the highest level. Liverpool, for their part, have dropped their interest in Bellingham and are reportedly eyeing a £ 35 million move for Phillips.
West Ham are also understood to be interested in signing the Man City’s England international, but the player would favour a move to Liverpool to get back his career on track and boost his Euro 2024 hopes.
Kalvin Phillips could become a key cog in Liverpool’s midfield
Jurgen Klopp is eyeing a midfield overhaul after a tough season, with several players set to leave Liverpool in the summer. The likes of Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will exit the club upon the expiry of their contracts, while the Reds need upgrades on Jordan Henderson and Fabinho in the middle of the park.
Jude Bellingham was Jurgen Klopp’s top target but things have changed in recent weeks, forcing Liverpool to look out for alternative targets. Kalvin Phillips has emerged as an alternate option to Bellingham, with the player believed to be keen on a move to Liverpool after a disastrous debut season with Man City.
Phillips’ stock has dipped since arriving at the Etihad Stadium, where he may not have a future beyond the current campaign after failing to compete with Rodri in City’s starting XI. His lack of game time have seen the midfielder lose his regular place in the England setup, although he still remains a part of Gareth Southgate’s plans.
Nonetheless, Phillips’ place in the English national team will be in jeopardy if he continues to warm the benches at City. So, a move to Liverpool makes sense because he could become a key component in Klopp’s potential new-look midfield next season. Whilst the 27-year-old remains keen to join the Reds, much will depend on City’s stance over selling their player to a direct rival.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.