Man City bring in Phillips as Fernandinho replacement

 

 

Manchester City have confirmed the big money arrival of Kalvin Phillips from Leeds.  

 

On the same day striker Gabriel Jesus left City for Arsenal, the Premier League champions have secured the England international's services for an initial £42m. 

 

"Manchester City are delighted to announce the signing of Kalvin Phillips on a six-year deal," a statement read on the club's official website. 

 

"The 26-year-old midfielder joins from Leeds United, having made 234 appearances over the course of eight seasons, scoring 14 goals and assisting 14.  

 

"In addition to widespread admiration for his domestic performances with the Elland Road club, Kalvin has also received plaudits for his impressive individual and collective contribution to the England squad.  

 

"He was one of the key components of the Three Lions side that reached the final of Euro 2020 last summer and also played an important role in helping guide the national side to this year’s World Cup finals in Qatar." 

 

 

On his move to City, Phillips said: "I am absolutely delighted to have joined Manchester City. 

 

"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.  

 

"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."

 

Only new City teammate Rodri (5.2) won possession in the midfield third per game more times than Phillips (4.8) in the Premier League last season.