Is West Ham United the Best Move for 28-Year-Old Kalvin Phillips to Kickstart His Career Again?
It was all sunshine and rainbows for Kalvin Phillips as he held his number 4 jersey when signing for Manchester City on July 22. However, after a year and a quarter with the Citizens warming the bench and sideline with injury, Kalvin Phillips has become somewhat of a forgotten man since his memorable Leeds days. Fortunately for the Englishman, West Ham United has thrown him a lifeline as the East London side have agreed a deal with his parent club to sign the 28-year-old on loan for the remainder of the season. With Juventus and Newcastle also interested in Kalvin Phillips, is the move to a star-studded West Ham midfield correct to revitalise his career?
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Kalvin Phillips Has Agreed on Personal Terms with West Ham United
According to the latest news from the always-reliable Fabrizio Romano, West Ham United has come out victorious in the pursuit of Kalvin Phillips against Juventus as Newcastle reluctantly pulled out due to City’s demand for full coverage of the Englishman’s £140,000 a week salary. In addition, both parties have agreed on personal terms, as Kalvin Phillips will have his medical at the London Stadium today.
Moreover, the loan deal will include an option to buy clause in June as West Ham will consider their financial fair play position on whether they can afford Phillips on a permanent basis. It is a positive for both parties as David Moyes has long been an admirer of Kalvin Phillips and tried to sign him from Leeds two years ago while the player hopes to push for his spot in the upcoming Euros.
Regardless, Pep Guardiola will be the most delighted with Kalvin Phillips’s finding a new home as he publicly apologised to his English midfielder last month. I feel so sorry for my decision for him. I’ve said that many times. He doesn’t deserve what has happened to him, and I’m so sorry. The only thing I can say about him is I am asking for a good personality and character, and he is a perfect example. If it comes to January and he stays, I’m more than pleased because he trains really well. He’s a lovely guy.”
How Does David Moyes Implement Kalvin Phillips in His Already Stacked Midfield?
Personal bias aside, implementing Kalvin Phillips in his well-oiled midfield is difficult for the former Manchester United manager. For example, David Moyes has established his 4-2-3-1 formation since joining the Hammers and with Tomáš Souček and new signing Edson Álvarez maintaining the ship, it allowed the creative sparks of James Ward-Prowse, Lucas Paquetá Jarrod Bowen, or Mohammed Kudus to venture forward.
As a tried and true central-defensive midfielder, Kalvin Phillips would have trouble replacing one of the cores of Souček and Álvarez. For instance, Souček has registered a goal and five assists for the Hammers this season despite playing more as a destroyer, while Álvarez is West Ham’s new €38 million signing. Thus, Phillips must really show something spectacular in the training grounds or unimportant matches if he wants West Ham to sign him permanently.
Should Kalvin Phillips Be On the Plane to Germany This June?
Moving forward to the end of the season, if Kalving Phillips plays well, is he a player you England fans want at the Euros? As a reminder, he was one of the best holding midfielders in the country during his time with Leeds and has won 31 caps for England, playing in every game as they reached the European Championship final in 2021.
Even during his time with Manchester City, Gareth Southgate, England’s manager, has stayed loyal to Phillips and has called him to the squad despite massive criticism from knowbetter fans. However, Gareth Southgate has been notorious for sticking with known quantities in his team. For example, Southgame would include Harry Maguire, Jordan Henderson, and Marcus Rashford instead of in-form players like Kalvin Phillips teammate James Ward-Prowse.
Nevertheless, it is up to Kalvin Phillips to prove himself in this half-season before he could think of having a ticket to Germany. For more transfer-related news or result-oriented updates, follow AsiaSport for daily coverage of every trending topic on the web.
