Kalvin Phillips endured a difficult debut season for Manchester City despite their Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup success
Kalvin Phillips has admitted he uses the revival of Jack Grealish’s Manchester City career to convince himself he can still become a success at the Etihad – as new links to Liverpool emerge.
Trendy soccer news understand that Phillips, 27, is one of several defensive midfielders being considered by Liverpool this summer as Brazilian stalwart Fabinho edges closer to completing a £40m switch to Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad. The 29-year-old has enjoyed a trophy-laden five seasons at Anfield and was instrumental in Jurgen Klopp’s side winning the Champions League and Premier League in successive campaigns on Merseyside.
After the decision was taken by both the player and the club that it would be best for Fabinho to remain on Merseyside instead of travelling to the Black Forest region of Germany for the Reds’ 10-day training camp, it now appears a matter of time before the Reds’ No.3 is reunited with his former Rio Ave manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, in the Middle East.
However, despite being linked with a move to Anfield in recent days as a replacement for Fabinho, Phillips has already signalled his desire to make a success of his career at the Etihad despite starting just two Premier League games for the Citizens last term after his £42m transfer from Leeds United.
My intention is to stay,” said the England international earlier this month when asked about his Manchester City future. “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.
“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
The former Leeds United captain was part of the Citizen’s treble-winning squad last season but was only handed four starts across all competitions by manager Pep Guardiola. Such were the difficulties of Phillips’ first campaign at the Etihad that the Catalan boss embarrassed the 27-year-old by publically admitting he return from World Cup duty with England “overweight”.
Grealish, meanwhile, endured similar struggles to Phillips after completing his then-British record transfer from Aston Villa in the summer of 2021. However, the forward established himself as a pivotal part of Guardiola’s plans last season and made 50 appearances for the Citizens last season.
“I kind of look at Jack and just think he’s my inspiration in this part,” added Phillips, speaking on talkSPORT earlier this week. “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.”
Phillips has five years remaining on his deal with the Premier League champions
