Liverpool Transfer Rumor: Kalvin Phillips is reportedly interested in a move to Anfield after being frozen out of first team action at City
Jurgen Klopp, the manager of Liverpool, has shifted his focus to England international midfielder Kalvin Phillips after being priced out of a move for Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham. Prior to the upcoming season, Klopp is eager to improve Liverpool’s midfield options, and Phillips has emerged as one of his main targets. According to rumours, Phillips has already been informed by Liverpool of their interest in signing him, and the 27-year-old midfielder is reportedly keen to moving to Anfield.
Phillips had a standout period at Leeds United during which he was a key factor in the club’s ascent to the Premier League. Several elite teams, notably Manchester City, took notice of his exploits and acquired him from Leeds last summer.
Phillips was eager to work with Pep Guardiola when he first joined Manchester City, but his tenure there has been uneven. In September, he had a shoulder injury that necessitated surgery and kept him out of play until the World Cup in Qatar got underway. Despite playing for England at the tournament, he fell out of favour when he returned to the Etihad following a nine-day vacation with friends in New York.
In addition to openly criticising Phillips for returning from the World Cup overweight, Guardiola was less than thrilled with Phillips for using up all of his vacation time. He was afterwards prohibited from training by Guardiola due to his poor fitness. Phillips has had trouble joining the Manchester City team ever since, and he has only started two games in all competitions. Since joining the team, he has yet to make a single Premier League start, and despite Rodri’s absence, he was not even included in the squad for last weekend’s FA Cup semifinal triumph against Sheffield United.
Phillips’ prospective transfer to Liverpool would provide Klopp some much-needed midfield depth, something the Reds have struggled with this season owing to injuries and patchy play from some of their star players. Phillips, who can play in a variety of midfield positions and is a superb passer, would also provide Liverpool some versatility.
Along with Phillips, Ryan Gravenberch of Bayern Munich is apparently being watched by Liverpool. He is expected to depart the German club this summer. The Dutch midfielder, who has been compared to Dutch star Frank Rijkaard, is reported to be much admired by Klopp. Both Phillips and Gravenberch would greatly enhance Liverpool’s midfield and increase their chances of regaining their previous form.
