A year ago
Kalvin Phillips emerges as a surprise transfer target, with implications for Declan Rice's future.
Kalvin Phillips struggled for playing time at Manchester City last season and could be on the move this summer, with Pep Guardiola interested in Declan Rice.
Bayern Munich has made a surprise bid for Kalvin Phillips, which might pave the way for Declan Rice to join Manchester City.
Phillips only joined City last summer, but he struggled to find playing time at the Etihad Stadium after failing to break into Pep Guardiola's plans. More roadblocks appear to be erected in Phillips' route to a berth in the City lineup.
Guardiola is interested in signing Rice, who captained West Ham to the Europa League title last season and would presumably jump ahead of Phillips in the pecking order.
With that move looming, City may be willing to let Phillips leave after only one season at the Etihad. Despite his lack of playing time, he'll have plenty of admirers this summer.
According to BILD, Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich are considering a move for the England international. Thomas Tuchel, the manager, would want to bring in Rice, but such a transfer appears unrealistic.
As a result, Bayern is looking for alternatives, with Phillips being a prominent option. Despite only having finished his rookie season, there is speculation that he could be purchased by City this summer.
The timeframe for Bayern to follow through on that interest is anticipated to be open, with 'options' available to convince Phillips to come to Munich. However, with Phillips insisting on staying at City, it may be difficult to make that case.
"I intend to stay there." We just won the triple, so there's no need for me to go, other than the fact that if I'm not playing, I'll have to think about it," the midfielder stated this week.
"I can't give it 12 months and then say, 'I'm not playing, so I'm leaving.'" I came to Manchester City to win trophies, which we did, but I didn't get to play as much as I would have liked.
"I'll keep working hard next season and hope to do well when I return to City." As you have seen with many City players, it can take some time to establish yourself in the club. Hopefully, I'm going to enjoy my off-season and then work hard when I return."
Guardiola, on the other hand, has recognized that Phillips needs to put in more effort to adapt to the way his City squad plays. The City manager will speak with the former Leeds player about his future plans ahead of next season.
"He hasn't seen much action on the field." He needs to adapt a little more in some areas, but I'm not worried about what happens next season. We'll find out at the end of the season. Guardiola stated, "We'll sit with the players."
"Perhaps they want more minutes, or perhaps they are dissatisfied with the situation." But I'm not going to talk about it right now. I'm not complaining about Kalvin because it's difficult to take the rhythm when you don't play much."
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