Manchester City Midfielder Set for Escape

Kalvin Phillip's move to Manchester City initially looked like a great transfer for the midfielder. He gets the chance to study under the best player in his position in Rodri, and work under one of the best coaches in the world. Slowly, over time, the hopes were he would be molded into the perfect stand-in and possibly even partner should Pep's tactical preference change down the road.

Phillips, signed on a 6 year contract back in 2022, leaving his boyhood club to try and take his game to the next level with one of the best teams in the world, and challenge for sivlerware on a regular basis. He certainly accomplished the silverware portion of that goal, but his biggest challenge quickly became proving himself to Pep Guardiola in a Manchester City side that was filled with top tier players in every position no matter where you looked.

When given his rare chances for Manchester City, Phillips didn't live up to expectations from head coach Pep Guardiola. He looked off the pace, a bit lost, and just not himself. This is not to trow blame on the English Midfielder, as he kept his head high and was praised for his attitude in training, even after getting overlooked time and time again by players who didn't even naturally play that holding midfielder role.

Guardiola even apologized to Phillips in a recent interview, saying that Phillips is a model character for the way he has handled the entire situation. Having played just 90 minutes in the Premier League this season, it's safe to say that Kalvin Phillips and Manchester City need to part ways in order for the former Leeds midfielder to find his spark again, and make a push for the Euro 2024 squad.

""He doesn't deserve what has happened to him, and I'm so sorry""

- Pep Guardiola

Now, with the January transfer window winding down, Kalvin Phillips (and Manchester City) appear to have a lifeline. While many clubs have expressed interest in Phillips, it seems West Ham United has taken the lead in the race to sign the midfielder.

While the finer details of the move have yet to be finalized, it seems the move is edging closer, with Juventus still lingering in the background for a potential swoop. Phillips is open to the move, and West Ham is open to making this move permanent after the initial loan - a key piece of information that might make Manchester City more likely to agree to the deal.

So, what do you think, is this the move that restarts the career of Kalvin Philips?