In a bid to escape his underutilization at Manchester City, Kalvin Phillips is on the verge of joining West Ham United on loan for the remainder of the season. Despite attracting interest from various clubs, including Juventus, Newcastle, and Crystal Palace, West Ham has emerged as the front-runner to secure the England midfielder’s services.
The 28-year-old, who commanded a £42.5 million transfer fee in the summer of 2022, has found limited opportunities at Manchester City, starting only six games and featuring in just two Premier League matches. With a mere 89 minutes of top-flight action this season, Phillips is keen on securing regular playing time to enhance his chances of retaining a spot in the England squad for Euro 2024.
While the loan move is not yet finalized, it is expected to be a straightforward arrangement between the two clubs. West Ham may have the option to make the transfer permanent in the summer, adding a layer of flexibility to the deal.
Manager Pep Guardiola expressed apologies to Phillips last month for the lack of first-team opportunities, acknowledging the difficulty in envisioning the midfielder in the current lineup. This move to West Ham provides Phillips with an opportunity to rejuvenate his career and contribute to David Moyes’ midfield options, joining the likes of Tomas Soucek, James Ward-Prowse, and Edson Alvarez.
If the deal is concluded, Phillips could make his debut for West Ham in the clash against Bournemouth on February 1st, marking a potential turning point in his quest for consistent playing time and a chance to shine on the Premier League stage.