Manchester City add Phillips in deal reportedly worth up to £45M
Manchester City signed England regular Kalvin Phillips from Leeds United on Monday.
The midfielder, who helps fill the void left by former City captain Fernandinho's return to Brazil, reportedly cost an initial £42 million with a further £3 million in potential bonuses. He signed a six-year contract at the Etihad Stadium.
"To be able to play under Pep and learn from him and his coaching staff as well as be part of a such a fantastic squad is a prospect that I am incredibly excited about," Phillips said.
So proud to join one of the best clubs in the world. Can’t wait to keep on challenging myself and learn from the best along the way 🙌🏽💙 @ManCity pic.twitter.com/FKPr2XYRdS
— Kalvin Phillips (@Kalvinphillips) July 4, 2022
Phillips, 26, will compete with Rodri for the No. 6 position in Pep Guardiola's side or feature alongside the Spaniard in a double pivot. His emergence at the base of Leeds' midfield came under Marcelo Bielsa, a coach who Guardiola credits as a huge influence on his managerial career.
Phillips is the second Leeds-born player to join City this summer after the unveiling of Norwegian international Erling Haaland in June. Argentine forward Julian Alvarez is also set to arrive from River Plate.
Leeds have already added to their midfield this summer with the acquisition of Marc Roca from Bayern Munich. The East Yorkshire club has also been linked with RB Leipzig's Tyler Adams, who played under current Leeds boss Jesse Marsch at both Leipzig and the New York Red Bulls.