Liverpool has identified Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips as a potential replacement for Fabinho with the Brazil star set to move to Saudi Arabia this summer.
Liverpool could be looking at a raid on Manchester City for Kalvin Phillips as the club considers potential replacements for Brazilian midfielder Fabinho.
According to the ECHO, Phillips is one of several defensive midfielders being looked at by Liverpool this summer. Fabinho, a key player for Jürgen Klopp’s side in recent seasons, is thought to be on the verge of completing a $52m (£40m/€47m) move to Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad (as per The Athletic).
Phillips started only two Premier League games for City last season after his $54m (£42m/€48m) transfer from Leeds United with Pep Guardiola preferring other options. But the England international remains convinced that with time and perseverance, he can establish himself as a regular starter for the Premier League champions.
Despite his limited game time, Phillips finds inspiration in the journey of his teammate Jack Grealish, who also faced challenges in his first year at City but managed to turn things around in his sSpeaking about his future at the Etihad earlier this summer, Phillips said: “My intention is to stay. We have just won the treble, so there is no reason for me to leave, other than if I am not playing I will obviously have to think about it.econd
I cannot give it 12 months and say: ‘I am not playing so I am going to leave.’ As you have seen with many players at City, it can take quite a while to cement yourself into the team.”
“I spoke to quite a few of the players about it [lack of game-time]. Nathan Aké being one; Jack [Grealish]. They all said the same: the first 12 months were the hardest of their City careers but after that it … it doesn’t become easy, but easier. I’m just going to go away for the off-season and enjoy myself with my family and girlfriend and friends and then come back fighting.seasonon
I kind of look at Jack and just think he’s my inspiration in this part,” added Phillips, speaking on talkSPORT. “He had a tough first year and so did I, second year he came out firing so I’m looking forward to getting pre-season started and hopefully I can turn things around.”
