Former Premier League boss warns Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips against Manchester City move
Alex McLeish has advised Kalvin Phillips not to join Manchester City unless he is guaranteed consistent playing time.
The Premier League champions are still interested in the Leeds United midfielder as a replacement for the departing Fernandinho.
While a move to one of Europe’s genuinely best clubs is difficult to turn down, there are concerns about how much time the England regular would spend at the Etihad.
Rodri is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world, and with Pep Guardiola’s preference for only using one defensive midfielder in his sides, Phillips may struggle for regular opportunities.
McLeish believes the 26-year-old should not move across the Pennines unless he is guaranteed a starting spot.
“He should be going somewhere he’s playing regular football every week.
“Phillips shouldn’t go somewhere if he’s going to be on the bench, playing every five weeks or something. For me, for his career, wherever he goes, he’s going to make enormous money.
“It stands to reason that he goes to someone for enormous money and plays every week. I would say if he is not guaranteed as a Man City stalwart or in the nucleus of the team, he should go somewhere else.”
While Phillips would want to play every game if he decides to leave Leeds this summer, there are plenty of opportunities to play at Man City.
They played 58 times in all competitions last season, which was far from their greatest cup campaign.
Man City would have played 64 matches if they had reached the Champions League final, which they will be anxious to do next season, as well as the finals of both domestic cup competitions.
Even if Rodri is regarded as the primary defensive midfielder, Phillips would have plenty of opportunities to appear in excess of 30 games.
However, with the league being so important at the Etihad, the Leeds star would like to play a significant part all around the country every weekend.
If Guardiola is unable to keep that pledge, it might throw a big kink in any future deal.
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Former Premier League boss warns Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips against Manchester City move
