Man City have officially announced that they have signed England international Kalvin Phillips from Leeds United.
Following the loss of longtime veteran and club captain Fernandinho, the 27-year-old was a top target for City this summer.
After his Euro 2020 achievements, Phillips leaves Leeds as one of their contemporary legends, having helped the childhood club move from mid-table mediocrity in the Championship to the first division under Marcelo Bielsa.
How much did Phillips cost Man City?
Phillips will initially cost Manchester City £42 million ($52 million), with Guardiola’s team perhaps paying up to another £3 million ($3.7 million) in add-ons.
Leeds, though, think that if all of the contract’s terms are satisfied, the agreement might end up costing more than £50 million ($61 million).
The acquisition of City’s talented midfielder Darko Gyabi by Leeds in a separate transaction for $5 million ($6 million) has no influence on the agreement for Phillips.
What is Phillips’ wages at Man City, and how long is his contract?
Phillips has committed to City for six years, keeping him a part of the Premier League winners through the summer of 2028.
According to reports, he will make roughly £150,000 per week at the Etihad Stadium, which, if true, would represent a big increase over his current income at Leeds.
What number shirt will Phillips be sporting when Man City?
The English international, who previously wore No. 23 for Leeds, will don No. 4 for the English champions.
Since Vincent Kompany, Man City’s valiant former captain, left the team in 2019, he will be the first player to wear No. 4 for the team.
What comments has Phillips made on joining Man City?
I am now a Manchester City player, which I am beyond happy about, he declared. It is a fantastic feeling to get things resolved. I believe that throughout the previous few years at Leeds, I have performed really well and, of course, made the England team.
I want to challenge myself with fantastic players who have amazing work ethics and an outstanding management in the following stage because I am really proud of what I have accomplished at Leeds and of everyone I have been with.
“I am overjoyed to be a part of Manchester City. With a magnificent roster and a manager in Guardiola who is rightfully regarded as the best in the world, they have once again demonstrated why they are the top team in the nation.
“I am really happy about the opportunity to play for Pep, learn from him and his coaching staff, and be a part of such a great team.
“Being a part of Man City is a dream come true since they are a premier team with a premier roster and premier infrastructure. Now I’m eager to get started and strive to support the team as they continue to succeed.
Phillips has the perfect defensive midfielder profile for Guardiola.
Jonathan Smith, GOAL’s Manchester City Correspondent, has the following opinion:
Despite winning four Premier League championships in the past five years, Man City is not resting on its laurels, and Phillips is another remarkable acquisition after the acquisition of Erling Haaland.
This summer, replacing Fernandinho was a top priority, and Guardiola has valued the holding midfield position since his playing days at Barcelona under Johann Cruyff.
Two of the most crucial qualities Guardiola seeks in players are the ability to spot danger and the intellect to direct attacks, and Phillips has proven he possesses both during his time playing for England and for Leeds under Marcelo Bielsa.
Rodri, the Spain midfielder who is emerging as a key component of Guardiola’s side, will challenge him for a starting position.
However, a £42 million deal appears to be really excellent value for a player who might push Rodri further and give more depth and quality to a team that will want to compete on four fronts.
where will Phillips play in Man city Formation?
In Guardiola’s successful 4-3-3 system at the Etihad Stadium, Phillips will mostly face up against Rodri for the defensive midfield position.
The City manager will have some freedom, though, as it is possible that the two might play together with taller overlapping full-backs, much like how Gareth Southgate utilizes Phillips and Declan Rice for England.
Guardiola will need to change his approach in 2022–2023 as a result of the addition of Haaland as a striker, and adding a player of Phillips’ caliber will offer him additional choices.