Being one of the top defensive midfielders in the Premier League and an England starter at Euro 2020, Phillips was recognized as the Three Lions' player of the year in 2021.
Although it opened the door for him to join Pep Guardiola's City, the 27-year-old has been sidelined or on the bench for a substantial portion of the season. His lone starts in the cup competitions against Bristol City and Southampton totaled 56 minutes of Premier League play.
Phillips did earn a spot in England's 2022 World Cup team and did make two substitute appearances. Guardiola claimed he was "not injured" but had "arrived overweight" and wasn't "in the position to undertake training sessions and to play" for City when he got back to Manchester.
Phillips "needs" City, according to Guardiola, who has urged him to accept the challenge of battling with Rodri for a spot in the team.
But, Phillips is still having trouble landing a significant look as of late March. His most recent outing was against RB Leipzig when City was already up 6-0, and last month in the Premier League, he came off the bench while the side was up 4-0 against Bournemouth.
Phillips has not been used as a substitute in more recent contests against Newcastle and Crystal Palace, which were significantly closer.
The fact that he didn't get much playing time might affect his future. The officials of the Three Lions even informed Phillips that a repeat of this season could harm his chances of representing England at Euro 2024 the following year, which 90min understands to be a cause for concern.
After a failed winter approach from West Ham, his former club Leeds made a January transfer window offer to bring him back. Newcastle, Leicester, and Wolves are reportedly intrigued and would be in the running if and when he becomes available, according to 90min.
90min is aware that Manchester City won't obstruct the player if he wants to depart. The defending Premier League winners might even approve a temporary loan with an eye toward a long-term agreement because it seems doubtful that they would repay their £42 million investment.
The high salary of Phillips can potentially be a problem.
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