If there was one major takeaway from the 2021/22 season, it was that Rodri silenced a lot of his critics by proving that he is more than capable of stepping into Fernandinho’s shoes as his long-term successor for years to come.
From a personal point of view, the Spanish international enjoyed a campaign that is on par with any of the aforementioned club legend’s imperious seasons at the Etihad Stadium, as the understated defensive midfielder emerged as arguably Manchester City’s most key and consistent player throughout last term.
While the Brazilian veteran’s best version has been met with an equally potent alternative in Rodri, the now-former City skipper’s role as an excellent understudy to the first-choice number six during the latter stages of his Blues career still needs to be recruited after his recent departure.
As a result, the logic behind the Premier League champions’ widely reported interest in Kalvin Phillips certainly checks out.
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Ever since Leeds United’s promotion back to the English top-flight in 2020, the England international has established his presence as one of the finest anchors in the middle of the park across the entire division.
While the potential move seems to make sense on all levels, new details have emerged about when the interest first began in the player, and exactly why Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is interested in the 26-year old’s capture this summer.
As per a report from The Athletic, Kalvin Phillips has been ‘tracked’ by Manchester City for ‘several months’.
It has also been revealed that ‘discussions’ about signing the Englishman intensified after Fernandinho announced in April that he had decided not to continue his stay with the Sky Blues, as his sights were set on a return to Brazilian football. Interestingly, the report suggests that Jesse Marsch’s side were ‘aware’ of City's ‘mounting interest’ in signing their talismanic midfielder in the ‘final weeks’ of last term.
Further details claim that Pep Guardiola is eyeing increased ‘competition’ for Rodri and apart from that, the Catalan boss aims to ensure the depth of the squad allows his side to continue competing on all four fronts next season.
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It is hard to dislike the idea of Kalvin Phillips’ potential purchase - a player that has especially showcased that he can rub shoulders at the highest level in an England shirt and come out on top.
With Manchester City expected to win multiple trophies next season due to the sky-high nature of their expectations, the club would have to beef up an area of the squad as crucial as the midfield by wrapping up the astute signing of Kalvin Phillips in preparation for another fiercely competitive campaign.
Topics: Kalvin Phillips, Pep Guardiola, Manchester City, Leeds United, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers, Premier League, Football