Kalvin Phillips reacts to Manuel Akanji as Man City exit plan is set
Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips looks set to leave the club this summer.
It was exclusively revealed by Football Insider that Phillips will not leave City until he has recovered from an achilles injury.
The 29-year-old joined City from Leeds in 2022, but hasn’t kicked on his career since with loan moves to West Ham and Ipswich also proving unsuccessful.
Phillips wants a permanent transfer away from the Etihad once he is back to fitness, and City will not stand in the England internationals way of a move.
City defender shares post-season update
Due to injury, Phillips was not selected in Man City’s recent Club World Cup squad, where they reached the last 16 before being knocked out by Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
Defender Manuel Akanji started two matches at the tournament and has now been enjoying his post-season break.
Taking to Instagram, Akanji posted images from his time off, with the caption: “From NY to IBZ,” which was liked by Phillips.
The 30-year-old has become a versatile and important member of City’s back line, and had to recover from a thigh injury in February which kept the Switzerland international out for several weeks.
Former club to make Phillips approach
Football Insider Verdict
Phillips needs to reignite his career with a move away from Man City this summer and former club Leeds are interested in bringing him back to Elland Road.
The midfielder is keen for the move to happen and his arrival would boost Leeds’ survival ambitions further.
The Whites have been active in the market to strengthen their squad ahead of their top flight return with seven new players already signed.
Phillips made over 200 appearances for the Yorkshire club during his eight-year spell at the club, which included winning the Championship title in the 2019/20 campaign.
| Appearances | 234 |
| Goals | 14 |
| Assists | 13 |
With Rodri, and the plethora of talent at Pep Guardiola’s disposal, Phillips was always going to face a tough task breaking into City’s starting line-up.
The move to City has not worked out for Phillips, but he could make a significant impact back at Leeds, who will need his Premier League experience in their squad.
Leeds start their Premier League campaign with a home clash with Everton before travelling to Arsenal.