After losing veteran midfielder Fernandinho following an illustrious nine years at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City have moved quickly to source a replacement and have landed their top target, Kalvin Phillips.
The 26 year-old has made an initial £42 million transfer and has become Pep Guardiola’s third addition to the squad this summer.
Following the signings of strikers Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund last month, Julian Alvarez from River Plate in January, and Stefan Ortega from Arminia Bielefeld on Friday, Phillips will be one of at least four new faces when the Premier League Champions return for pre-season this month.
Phillips, who made just 20 Premier League appearances during an injury-hampered last campaign, was integral to his boyhood club's return to the top-flight, playing a key role under Marcelo Bielsa.
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The Yorkshireman had attracted interest from across the Premier League and Europe, but departs Leeds seven years after making his debut against Wolves in 2015.
After penning a long-term contract with the Premier League Champions, when could the England international midfielder make his Manchester City debut?
Kalvin Phillips can be expected to be a part of Guardiola’s pre-season plans.
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The Blues are travelling to the United States in July for friendly matches against against Mexican side Club America and Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.
Manchester City are set to come up against the former in Houston on July 20th.
Afterwards, they are then set to play German Champions Bayern Munich in Green Bay, Wisconsin, four days later.
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The FA Community Shield taking place at the King Power Stadium on Saturday 30th July may offer the 26 year-old his first competitive minutes for his new club.
Manchester City prepare to play Liverpool in the annual season curtain-raiser, before kicking off their Premier League title defence away to West Ham in August.
Kalvin Phillips’ home debut could come against newly promoted Bournemouth the following week.
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The Group Stages of the UEFA Champions League begin on either Tuesday 6th or Wednesday 7th September, so a European debut is also imminent.
Manchester City’s controversial charity match against Barcelona, taking place at the Nou Camp three weeks into the new season, also offers the former Leeds midfielder a chance to feature against the Catalan club in August.
Kalvin Phillips' return to Elland Road is set for Boxing Day.
The Whites will be the Sky Blues’ first opponents following the mid-season hiatus for the FIFA World Cup, taking place in Qatar across November and December.
Topics: Kalvin Phillips, Leeds United, Manchester City, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Premier League, Football, Transfers
Harry Winters