Kalvin Phillips outlines reasons for Leeds transfer as Man City move is confirmed, Player picks coveted shirt number
Manchester City have confirmed the acquisition of Kalvin Phillips from Leeds United for an initial fee of £42 million.
The homegrown talent joined Leeds as a 14-year-old and leaves after 12 years as a terrace hero.
With only a few years left on his contract, the Whites were powerless to keep their talismanic player once Pep Guardiola came calling.
After weeks of negotiations, the agreement was ultimately made official on Monday morning.
Leeds is paying City an initial sum of £42 million for the 26-year-old midfielder.
With add-ons and bonuses, that figure will grow to £45 million. Leeds will also recruit 18-year-old midfielder Darko Gyabi for £5 million in a separate deal.
Phillips, who has 23 England caps, has established himself as one of the Premier League’s best defensive midfielders.
Guardiola zeroed in on the Leeds favourite after it became evident that Fernandinho was leaving.
Phillips has signed a six-year contract with Manchester City, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2028.
He has also taken the No. 4 jersey, which is traditionally linked with defensive midfielders and was last worn by Vincent Kompany at the club.
If Phillips has half the success of the club’s legend, they know they are getting a player of exceptional quality.
Kalvin Phillips outlines reasons for Leeds transfer
Phillips confirms to the club’s official website that City’s appeal is enormous. He claims that playing for Guardiola and joining their world-class group were motivations for his move.
“I am absolutely delighted to have joined Manchester City,” Phillips said.
“City have again proved to the best team in the country with an amazing squad and a manager in Pep Guardiola who is rightly considered to be the finest in the world.
We are delighted to announce the signing of @Kalvinphillips on a six-year deal 🤩
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 4, 2022
Welcome, Kalvin! 💙#ManCity pic.twitter.com/3fNJthPNIL
“To be able to play under Pep and learn from him and his coaching staff as well as be part of a such a fantastic squad is a prospect that I am incredibly excited about.
“City are a world-class Club with world-class staff and facilities and it’s a dream come true to have joined the Club.
“Now I can’t wait to get started and to look to try and help the team to go on and achieve more success.”
Txiki Begiristain, the director of football, is likewise pleased with Phillips’ arrival.
“Kalvin is a player that we have long admired, and at both domestic and international level, he has proved his fantastic ability and quality over the past few seasons.
“His reading of the game, alongside his passing ability, energy and drive make him a formidable talent. He is a player who has a fantastic will to win.
“We feel he will be a superb addition to our squad and that he will complement our game perfectly.
“Everyone here is looking forward to watch Kalvin play and develop even further over the next few years.”
Phillips appeared in 234 games for Leeds, scoring 14 goals in that time.
He is their second signing of the summer, following Erling Haaland.
Kalvin Phillips’ next challenge will be to establish himself as a regular in a talented and competitive City squad. Rodri is also an option in defensive midfield.
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Kalvin Phillips outlines reasons for Leeds transfer as Man City move is confirmed, Player picks coveted shirt number
