Sources: Kalvin Phillips set to transform fitness and win Pep Guardiola over at Man City
Kalvin Phillips faces a big summer as he looks to transform his fitness and win over Man City boss Pep Guardiola, sources have told Football Insider.
The 27-year-old has endured a difficult first season at the Etihad Stadium since joining for a reported fee of £42million last summer (2022).
But Football Insider revealed on Monday (27 March) that Man City have no plans to sell Phillips this summer despite his lack of impact at the club.
The player himself is determined to break into Guardiola’s side – and is determined to start that task with a sparkling pre-season before the 2023-24 campaign.
Phillips’ preparations for this season were disrupted due to a recurring shoulder injury – which ruled him out for around three months after surgery in September 2022.
He has been linked with long-term admirers West Ham and a return to former club Leeds United in recent weeks.
Man City are also reluctant to weaken their midfield further this summer by selling the 27-year-old – due to the possibility of Ilkay Gundogan moving on.
Sources told this site on Monday (27 March) that Barcelona are optimistic about signing Gundogan on a free transfer after holding talks with his representatives.
Phillips has made 13 club appearances across all competitions this term, playing 342 minutes of football – and completing the 90-minute match distance just once.
Guardiola criticised the midfielder’s physical condition when he returned from the winter World Cup in Qatar, publicly condemning him for being “overweight” after his time in the England camp.
The England international signed a six-year contract at Man City last summer (2022) and earns a reported wage of £150,000-a-week at the club.
In other news, Football Insider updates with Man City willing to sell star defender.