Kalvin Phillips could be handed a shock Manchester City lifeline after being named in Pep Guardiola’s 25-man Premier League squad ahead of this weekend’s Manchester derby, according to reports.
The 29-year-old midfielder has not played a competitive game for City in almost two years, with his last appearance coming on December 19, 2023, as a late substitute in the Club World Cup against Urawa Red Diamonds.
Since then, Phillips has endured a turbulent spell, including a disappointing loan move and questions over his future at the Etihad.
Phillips joined City from Leeds United in 2022 for £45 million but struggled to earn Guardiola’s trust, making only 12 appearances in his debut season.
Kalvin Phillips could be handed a shock Manchester City lifeline after being named in Pep Guardiola’s 25-man Premier League squad ahead of this weekend’s Manchester derby
|PA
He was loaned to West Ham United midway through the 2023/24 campaign but failed to make an impact, conceding a penalty on his debut and receiving a red card in just his fourth appearance.
The England international spent last season on loan at Ipswich Town, playing 22 games but could not prevent the Tractor Boys from being relegated.
His lack of minutes across the past two seasons ultimately cost him a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad, with Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Conor Gallagher firmly ahead of him in the pecking order.
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Phillips had been widely expected to leave City again this summer, with Guardiola hinting he wanted a leaner squad and multiple clubs monitoring the midfielder’s situation.
However, The Telegraph reports that the former Leeds star has been recalled and could even feature in Sunday’s derby against Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium.
The move offers Phillips a chance to revive his career and re-establish himself under Guardiola, who has publicly admitted in the past that the midfielder found it difficult to adapt to City’s tactical demands.
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Kalvin Phillips was frozen out by Man City boss Pep Guardiola earlier this summer
|GETTY
With injuries and suspensions mounting in midfield, the England star could yet provide valuable depth as City push to retain their Premier League crown and challenge for honours in Europe.
City supporters will be eager to see whether Phillips can rediscover the form that made him a key figure for Leeds United under Marcelo Bielsa and a starter for England at Euro 2020, where he was nicknamed “The Yorkshire Pirlo.”
A strong run of performances could even put him back into Thomas Tuchel's plans ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
For now, Phillips will be focused on proving to Guardiola that he can contribute to a side stacked with midfield talent.
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Kalvin Phillips spent last season on loan at Ipswich Town
|PA
If selected for the Manchester derby, it would mark his first competitive appearance in 21 months — and potentially the beginning of an unlikely redemption arc at the Etihad.
City go into the game hoping to bounce back, having lost two of their first three league matches.