Kalvin Phillips responds to Matheus Nunes message as Man City exit looms
Kalvin Phillips has responded to a public message from teammate Matheus Nunes as his exit from Manchester City looms.
The 31-time England international arrived at the Etihad Stadium from Leeds United in 2022 but has barely had a look-in since, making just 31 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side across all competitions.
Phillips has gone out on loan to West Ham United and Ipswich Town over the last two seasons, but injuries and a loss of form have restricted him to just 32 outings across those spells combined.
As a result, Phillips is now heavily linked with a summer exit from the Etihad Stadium.
Kalvin Phillips reacts to Matheus Nunes post
Despite the uncertainty over his future, Phillips has still taken the time to react to Nunes‘ latest social media post.
The Man City squad are currently enjoying some time off following their Club World Cup commitments, and Nunes has posted some highlights from his holiday with friends to Instagram.
“Friends taking the most out of the summer,” wrote Nunes in his caption.
A host of Man City players have liked the post, including Phillips, Jack Grealish, Tijjani Reijnders, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji.
Nunes’ Portugal teammates and Manchester rivals Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot also liked the post, along with Chelsea’s Pedro Neto — who plays with Nunes at national team level and was his teammate at Wolves.
What next for Kalvin Phillips?
Phillips is under contract at City until 2028, meaning a potential sale could be more expensive than first assumed.
What’s more, the midfielder’s situation is further complicated by the fact that he’s currently recovering from an Achilles tendon injury.
According to Football Insider transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke, Phillips will not leave City until he’s completed his recovery after undergoing surgery in May.
| Man City stats | Kalvin Phillips |
| Appearances | 31 |
| Minutes played | 914 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 0 |
The 29-year-old is expected back in action in August, when he’ll then swiftly exit the Etihad in order to get his career back on track.
A number of Premier League clubs are thought to be tracking Phillips, including his former club Leeds, who are back in the top-flight after winning the Championship title with 100 points last season.
Man City have already had a busy summer, with Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker two high-profile exits, while the likes of Reijnders, Rayan Cherki and Rayan Ait-Nouri have come in.
Guardiola will hope to get some kind of fee for Phillips, who cost City £45million three years ago (Sky Sports).