Manchester City exit date anticipated for Kalvin Phillips as permanent transfer looms | OneFootball

Kalvin Phillips’ permanent exit from Manchester City is not anticipated for the immediate days, as the midfielder continues to recover from an injury.

Phillips’ City career appears to be drawing to a close, with all signs pointing towards a permanent exit in the coming weeks, having joined from Leeds United in the summer of 2022 but struggling to make a lasting impact under Pep Guardiola.

Despite being widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s top midfielders during his time at Elland Road, Phillips has found consistent playing time hard to come by at the Etihad Stadium amid competition from the likes of Rodri in particular.

Injuries and form issues also contributed to Phillips failing to establish himself, while his time on loan — first to West Ham United in the second half of the 2023/24 season, and most recently to Ipswich Town — also failed to reignite his best form or suggest he could work his way back into contention in Manchester.

With Pep Guardiola’s squad evolving and midfield additions arriving this summer, Phillips’ pathway has narrowed even further, and a fresh start elsewhere is a near-certainty, particularly as the player himself is understood to be pushing for a permanent resolution.

However, according to the information of Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Kalvin Phillips will not leave Manchester City until he has recovered from an Achilles injury having undergone surgery at the end of May and not expected back in action until August.

The report details that the 29-year-old wants to leave the Etihad Stadium permanently after underwhelming loan spells at West Ham and Ipswich in the last two seasons, and City officials will not stand in the player’s way.

In terms of interested parties, the report states that there are expected to be a number of Premier League clubs interested in the England international, particularly given his known quality showcased while at Leeds United.

Phillips’ experience, ball-winning ability, and leadership qualities are all attributes valued by teams seeking to add steel and structure to midfield, and a club lower down the Premier League table or newly promoted could particularly benefit from his services.

For Manchester City, offloading Phillips on a permanent basis would represent both a clean break and a useful squad adjustment. His departure would open the door for emerging talents, while also clearing significant salary room.

With the midfielder targeting a return to fitness in August, a move during the final weeks of the transfer window appears increasingly likely — a timeline that would allow interested clubs to assess their squads after the start of the new campaign.