The January transfer market is in its final few days, with clubs making late efforts to reinforce their squads for the remainder of the season. However, players who find it difficult to get enough playing time are seeking opportunities to hit the ground running with regular game time.
Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips also faces a need for more opportunities at the Etihad. Subsequently, the English international has garnered interest from West Ham and Crystal Palace. Despite interest from Serie A giants Juventus, he has now agreed to a short-term move to West Ham.
West Ham sign Kalvin Phillips on loan from Manchester City
In July 2022, the English midfielder Kalvin Phillips made his ambitious move to Manchester City from his former club, Leeds United. He bid farewell to his boyhood club in a £45 million transfer deal. The midfielder signed a long-term six-year contract with the Premier League champions, marking a significant step in his career.
However, the events have not unfolded as per his expectations. The 28-year-old hasn’t won the trust of Pep Guardiola since his arrival. The City boss made it clear that Phillips wasn’t part of his plans at the club, relegating him to a bench role and finding it difficult to secure a place in the lineup alongside Rodri and Mateo Kovacic.
This season, he has only been able to start twice for the treble winners, accumulating just over 300 minutes of playing time until the first half of the season. Therefore, the Englishman was open to moving out of Manchester City to secure regular minutes, either on loan or permanently.
At last, West Ham United, the UEFA Conference League winners, have secured the services of Kalvin Phillips on loan until the end of the season, with an option for a permanent move in the summer. The Hammers will be covering the midfielder’s weekly salary of £140,000.
When will Kalvin Phillips debut for West Ham?
Kalvin Phillips will head back to London today from the City’s training camp in Abu Dhabi to undergo the scheduled medical examination at the West Ham facility before officially completing the paperwork and formalities. Additionally, he is expected to make his debut in their next league game against Bournemouth.
The West Ham manager rates the 28-year-old midfielder, having valued him since his Leeds days. David Moyes even attempted to sign him in January 2022. However, Phillips chose to join the Citizens six months later, in the summer. Now, he is all set to play for the Hammers.
Moreover, Kalvin Phillips will be anticipating this move as an opportunity to regain his presence on the pitch and impress the England national team boss. As a regular in Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad, this move will help him regain momentum, increasing his chances of being included in the EURO 2024 Germany squad.
