According to reports, the 2021/22 Premier League champions have agreed to a deal for Kalvin Phillips.
The Leeds United midfielder will join Manchester City in a deal worth £45 million. Both Premier League outfits are in dialogue to wrap up the deal at the earliest.
"Manchester City have reached an agreement with Leeds United for the signing of Kalvin Phillips, The Athletic understands. England international Phillips is moving closer to a transfer to the Etihad following positive discussions between City and Leeds over a fee.(Via : The Athletic)"
The Brazilian talisman, Fernandinho, left Manchester City as his contract expired at the end of the season. This had left Pep Guardiola with Rodri as a single defensive midfielder.
The acquisition of Kalvin Phillips will not only provide cover for the Spanish midfielder but will act as a cushion for the potential departure of Bernardo Silva, who is linked with Barcelona.
🚨 EXCL: Man City have reached agreement with Leeds to sign midfielder Kalvin Phillips. £42m + £3m — with Darko Gyabi joining #LUFC separately for £5m fixed. Clubs now in process of finalising deal for 26yo England int’l to join #MCFC @TheAthleticUK #LUFC https://t.co/i25RND4Ad5
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 24, 2022
Kalvin Phillips in the 2021/22 season:
Kalvin Phillips had an injury-ridden campaign in 2021/22. The player was unavailable for selection from 5th December 2021 to 14th March 2022. He missed 16 games across all competitions for Leeds United because of a hamstring injury.
The 26-year-old midfielder featured in 23 games for Leeds United across all competitions. In 23 games, Kalvin Phillips had a goal and an assist to his name.
Marshalling the midfield, he had a pass completion rate of 81.5% and averaged 1.75 interceptions per game for the Elland Road outfit. He also played a crucial in avoiding the relegation on the final day of the campaign.
Blocks per 90: 2.37
Successful tackles per 90: 2.27
Clearances per 90: 1.69
(Stats via transfermarkt/fbref)
Kalvin Phillips’ style of play
Though the English international is ill-disciplined on the pitch and winning aerial duels is not his major strength, we know Kalvin Phillips for his tackles and interceptions.
He doesn’t need an invitation to take a shot from distance and likes to play long balls. Phillips carried 179.5 yards per 90 across all competitions for Leeds United. He also commits tactical fouls and draws the fouls from the opposition as well.
Fouls won per 90: 1.1
Fouls conceded per 90: 1.4
Long Ball Accuracy: 51.11%
Ball Recoveries per 90: 10.2
(Stats via fbref)
Manchester City in the summer transfer window
Manchester City have already secured the services of Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund by activating the release clause of the striker. Now, they have added Kalvin Phillips to their arsenal. However, they are not done just yet. The club is in talks with Brighton and Hove Albion to secure the promising Marc Cucurella.