The Premier League champions are edging closer towards announcing their third signing of the summer transfer window, with England midfielder Kalvin Phillips set to become Pep Guardiola’s latest recruit ahead of the upcoming 2022/23 campaign.
After bidding farewell to veteran midfielder and club captain Fernandinho back in May following an outstanding nine years at the Etihad Stadium, the Sky Blues are set to land their first choice replacement for the Brazilian in Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips.
Phillips, who has grown up through the Leeds United academy, made his first-team debut for his hometown club in 2015, and became an integral part of Marcelo Bielsa’s successful Whites side throughout the Argentine’s tenure at the Yorkshire club.
The 26 year-old made 20 Premier League appearances for Leeds during an injury-hampered 2021/22 campaign, as Jesse Marsch ensured top-flight football will remain at Elland Road for next season, after victory on the final day of the season.
A number of high-profile players have been linked with departures from Leeds this summer, and Kalvin Phillips’ move to Manchester is set to be the first big exit from Elland Road.
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The Englishman is closing in on completing an initial £42 million move to Manchester City, with David Ornstein of The Athletic reporting that the transfer fee could rise to £45 million depending on £3 million in add-ons and bonuses.
The Yorkshire-born midfielder is set to be involved in the Blues’ pre-season trip to the United States, where Pep Guardiola’s side are set to play Club America and Bayern Munich ahead of the FA Community Shield against Liverpool at the end of July.
However, after revealing record shirt sales for the new 2022 home jersey, many fans will be wondering what shirt number Manchester City’s latest recruit could take ahead of the new season.
A vast selection of squad numbers are available to Kalvin Phillips, with numbers 4, 12, 15, 19, 21, 24, 25, 28, 29 and 30 all available to the England international.
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Kalvin Phillips held the squad number 23 at Leeds; however this particular number is not available at Manchester City, after the club retired it in 2003, in honour of the late Marc-Vivien Foe.
Last season, club-record signing Jack Grealish inherited Sergio Aguero’s famous number 10 shirt, so could Kalvin Phillips take the number 25? The former squad number of the departing Fernandinho.
Number 4 was most recently worn by legend Vincent Kompany, meanwhile Fabian Delph, Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry were the last three Manchester City players to wear number 18 until new signing Stefan Ortega chose the number upon joining the club this week.
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Angelino was the last occupant of number 12 and Ferran Torres’ move to Barcelona has opened up the number 21 - famously held by David Silva.
The squad numbers 9 and 15 have been heavily linked with new striker Erling Haaland - though City Xtra understand that the number 9 has been selected by the Norwegian striker.
Julian Alvarez, sources have told City Xtra, is expected to take a number that will "surprise" supporters, as reported this week.
Topics: Kalvin Phillips, Leeds United, Manchester City, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Premier League, Football, Transfers
Harry Winters