Man City may have already found Ilkay Gundogan replacement after source’s reveal – Campbell
Kevin Campbell has claimed Man City may have already signed Ilkay Gundogan’s replacement in Kalvin Phillips.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Arsenal and Everton striker said Phillips, 26, is capable of replacing Gundogan, 32, should he leave.
Gundogan has entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Etihad.
Sources have told Football Insider (31 October) that the club fear the centre-midfielder will snub their offer of a new deal to leave on a free transfer next July.
The Germany international will be able to discuss a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January.
When asked by Football Insider if City would need to sign a replacement for Gundogan should he leave, Campbell said: “Kalvin Phillips could step into that role.
“Gundogan leaving would free up Phillips to play further forward. We have seen him play further forward for Leeds.
“He is so good at the holding role we have predominantly seen him there. Leeds relied on him sitting in there. Man City have Rodri though so you could let Phillips play further forward. Phillips has the engine and the game to do it.
“It could be yet another Pep [Guardiola] masterstroke. The rich get richer.”
Man City signed Phillips from Leeds United for a fee of £45million in July 2022.
The England international has been limited to just three appearances across all competitions because of injury.
In other news, Kieran Maguire has tipped Man City to cash in from a new £5billion deal after document is revealed.