The surprise clubs that can save Kalvin Phillips’ career

Robin Bairner

• 2 Dec 2023 16:56 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips has been the subject of a string of transfer rumours in recent weeks, with Juventus the latest club linked to the England international.

Phillips has not had a serious look in since moving to Man City from Leeds, with the 28-year-old having played only 215 minutes of football this season, while his only start came in the EFL Cup loss away to Newcastle in September.

Clearly surplus to Pep Guardiola’s requirements at the Etihad Stadium, numerous different clubs have been linked with him in recent months.

FootballTransfers revealed in October that Tottenham are tracking the midfielder, Newcastle have long been credited with an interest while Bayern Munich emerged as unlikely candidates to sign Phillips in the autumn. And now, of course, there are Juventus.

Phillips' ideal transfer

Data analytics firm SciSports have, however, given a surprise answer to Phillips optimal transfer destination, suggesting that Championship side Leicester are his best option when using the ‘Balanced’ model in its Career Advice tool.

The Foxes offer Phillips the chance of regular first team football in a formation and style that suits his game, although the drawback is clearly their second-tier status and the lack of personal development there.

By contrast, the teams coming up behind Leicester are far closer to Man City in terms of their status.

Bayern Munich are the best option for his development but the Germans do not play in a style suited to him, while Atletico Madrid could offer him more playing time but again there is the drawback of their playing style.

Fulham come in fourth, and this could be the most interesting option for Phillips given the Cottagers were also looking at him. He would have to sacrifice some development going there, but given regular Premier League football, that could be a price worth paying.

Rounding out the top five are Fenerbahce, though it would be surprising if Phillips were to move to the Turkish Super Lig given the other clubs presently linked with him.

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