Midfielder Kalvin Phillips came through the youth academy at Leeds United; Man City are set to pay a fee in the region of £45m to £50m for the England international
Saturday 25 June 2022 11:05, UK
Manchester City have agreed a deal with Leeds to sign midfielder Kalvin Phillips for a fee in the region of £45m to £50m.
England international Phillips is moving closer to leaving his boyhood club, where he came through the academy and flourished under former boss Marcelo Bielsa.
The deal has yet to be officially completed as Phillips still needs to agree personal terms and pass a medical.
Sky Sports News understands, out of loyalty to Leeds, the only club he would have joined was Manchester City and he has turned down approaches from other clubs.
The 26-year-old will look to fill the void left by Fernandinho at City, who revealed he will be leaving the club this summer after nine years with the club.
Sky Sports' Sam Blitz and Jayant Ganju write:
"At Leeds, the England midfielder may just have the keys to the city. A boyhood fan of the Whites, with his entire family 100 per cent Leeds as well, there's little to no doubt that Phillips would be content staying at Elland Road for the rest of his career.
"But Manchester City, who have agreed a deal with Leeds to sign the 26-year-old, can promise trophies, Champions League football and a real step up in his career. The midfielder could easily follow Jack Grealish - who quit his home in Aston Villa last season - in becoming a top-flight winner within a year."
Former Leeds and Manchester City defender Danny Mills speaking to Sky Sports News:
"He's an outstanding player. I think he will go into their squad, but I've said previously that I'm not convinced he will start every game. You've got Rodri in that holding midfield role, it's a very congested midfield as well.
"His first season I think he's going to have to work his way into the team and that's not going to be easy.
"He's still going to play 20+ games next season - a little bit like Raheem Sterling did this year. You have to accept at Manchester City that you are going to be a squad player from time to time.
"I think it's a move Phillips couldn't turn down. He's now going to be playing Champions League football, challenging for the Premier League and other trophies.
"He's at that stage of his career where it's an opportunity that is probably too good to be true, so he had no option really. As much as he loves Leeds, he had to take it."
Former Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford speaking to Sky Sports News:
"It's a phenomenal deal for someone that has come through the academy, it's been nothing short of an incredible rise.
"On the flip side, it is frustrating from a Leeds perspective as we don't want to see one of our own leaving. He's been a one-club man, leading by example with his performances. It's a shame to see him leaving from a fan's angle but it's an incredible opportunity and one nobody would begrudge him the move.
"It's a great deal for City, especially with Fernandinho leaving. They are replacing a living legend with another potential legend. I think it's a brilliant deal from City's perspective.
"I'm over the moon for him. He's such a lovely guy, a great lad. All the boys will be sad to see him go."
Manchester City midfielder Darko Gyabi will join Leeds United in a £5m deal.
The transfer is a separate piece of business from the Phillips transfer.
Gyabi is an all-action midfielder that has progressed through the academy at City and was a key part of their Elite Development Squad that play in Premier League 2 last season.
Jayden: Surely going to Manchester City isn't good for play time he would start every game at Leeds (if stays fit) and would surely be second to Rodri for City with the World Cup coming up wouldn't it be best to stay at Leeds until the winter transfer?
John T: Phillips is a clever signing from City. If he can play like he did under Bielsa then he should find it a doddle. Just add Cucurella and this is one scary team.
Peter OT: Been a Leeds fan for 50 years, obviously sad to see him go but wish him the best. Thanks for everything KP.
Charlie: Good signing. Decent price. Hopefully Pep goes for two holding midfielders and doesn't have to keep rotating Rodri and Phillips.
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