Manchester City continues to build a platform of Premier League dominance after Pep Guardiola’s men capped a thrilling 2021-22 season with a league title after doing just enough to out-pace an impressive Liverpool outfit under Jürgen Klopp, securing their fourth league win in five seasons and cement their place as hegemon in England.
That dominance could be set to continue next season as well after City has already secured deals for talented attacking duo Erling Haaland and Julián Álvarez this summer, and are now said to be turning their attentions toward the center of the park as they weigh up a move for Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips.
According to reports in both the Telegraph as well as the Mirror, City is viewing the Leeds-born England international as a primary target during the summer window in the wake of club veteran Fernandinho departing on a free transfer after his contract is set to expire.
The Brazilian has been ever-present for the club since his arrival back in 2013 and would leave a void in the center of the park that would be difficult to fill. But Phillips could be just the tonic for City, and it is said that the club believes that he brings the right profile to make the jump from Elland Road to the Etihad Stadium.
🏴 Kalvin Phillips called up to latest @England squad, as the Three Lions prepare to take on Hungary, Germany and Italy next month
— Leeds United (@LUFC) May 24, 2022
Previously linked with serious interest from rivals Manchester United, the circumstances at Leeds mean that it is difficult to picture the 26-year-old remaining at the club for the duration of his career despite the intimate connection he has with both the club and its fanbase, and certainly, Leeds could look to cash in on the academy product in order for manager Jesse Marsch to retool the first-team squad with a view of improving on a 2021-22 campaign that almost ended in disaster.
Phillips remains a high profile player in England and was called up by England manager Gareth Southgate as the Three Lions are set for clashes against Hungary, Germany, and Italy in June, and as his stock domestic continues to rise, it is perhaps no surprise that City have come calling as they look to remain at least one step ahead of Liverpool next season.
