Manchester City have announced their third signing of the summer, with Kalvin Phillips completing an initial £42 million move from Leeds United.
Phillips, who is the first of potentially two high profile departures from Elland Road this summer, turned down interest from Manchester United, West Ham, Newcastle and Aston Villa to sign for the Premier League Champions.
The 26 year-old has penned a six-year deal with the Blues, and moves to the Etihad Stadium from his boyhood club Leeds United, who he made 234 appearances for since his debut against Wolves in 2015.
City recently bidded farewell to club captain Fernandinho after nine years, and the Englishman is expected to replace the Brazilian legend in Pep Guardiola’s squad.
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Phillips is the Champions’ third signing of the summer, after the club announced the arrivals of former Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland and goalkeeper Stefan Ortega from Bundesliga side Arminia Bielefeld.
Phillips made 20 appearances for the Whites during an injury-plagued 2021/22 campaign, as Jesse Marsch’s side ensured top-flight football with a victory over Brentford on the final day of the season.
The England international joins an array of home-grown talent within Guardiola’s Premier League title winning squad.
Manchester City’s Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain has previewed what City supporters can expect from the club’s newest recruit.
He said: “Kalvin is a player that we have long admired, and at both domestic and international level, he has proved his fantastic ability and quality over the past few seasons.
“His reading of the game, alongside his passing ability, energy and drive make him a formidable talent and he is a player who has a fantastic will to win.
“We feel he will be a superb addition to our squad and that he will complement our game perfectly.
“Everyone here is looking forward to watch Kalvin play and develop even further over the next few years.”
Phillips is expected to be with Pep Guardiola’s squad for pre-season, where City are travelling to the United States for a selection of friendlies.
Games against Club América and Bayern Munich will come prior to the FA Community Shield versus Liverpool at the King Power Stadium.
City, who are scheduled to face Barcelona in a friendly next month, begin their Premier League title defence away to West Ham United in August - an opposition who they dropped points against in their penultimate game of the last campaign.
Despite primarily coming into to provide cover for Rodri, Phillips' versatility will be a huge boost for Guardiola ahead of such a packed season.
With a World Cup to come in November, the combative midfielder will have to fit in various positions to keep City competitive on all four fronts.
Topics: Manchester City, Kalvin Phillips, Leeds United, Premier League, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours
Harry Winters