Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford has claimed that former teammate and Newcastle United target Kalvin Phillips will be becoming unsettled at Man City due to a lack of playing time.
Newcastle have shown significant interest in the midfielder and are looking at bringing him in in January as a possible replacement for Sandro Tonali.
Speaking on the My Mate’s A Footballer podcast, Bamford suggested that Phillips will not be happy with the amount of playing time he’s getting regardless of how much money he’s on.
Phillips growing frustrated at Man City
Phillips had previously rejected a move to Newcastle in the summer as he’d hoped to stay and fight for his place at Man City. However, after starting just one game in the Carabao Cup all season, rumours have been flying about his potential departure.
Newcastle again reignited their interest in the £45m signing with Tonali suspended for the next 10 months and the squad looking very depleted with injuries at the minute.
Bamford has been speaking on his former teammate, suggesting what the midfielder might be thinking given his lack of playing time.
On the podcast, Bamford said: “It’s tough for him, because he’s going from probably being one of the best players at Leeds to Man City where the best players in his position [with Rodri] is just like a metronome. There’s not even much you can say to him. When he comes into the team, they’re always going to draw comparisons between them.
“He’s obviously going to look at what he can do to get back playing – and whatever that means for him.
“This is one of those where the public say he should just be happy because he’s getting paid an absolute fortune, but there is no way, no matter how much you’re getting paid, you cannot be happy sitting on the bench.
“I think it is one where he is chasing to get back in the England team and any footballer is going to choose playing over getting that extra bit of money.”
Phillips is destined for departure
Newcastle have quite clearly made a new midfielder their priority heading into the January window and Kalvin Phillips’ name just keeps cropping up.
It’s safe to say that Pep Guardiola would not miss the former Leeds man too much given Rodri’s incredible form and the sheer depth that Man City possess. So, a move away just makes sense for all parties.
Phillips would easily slot into the Newcastle team upon arrival from City and will have added motivation to impress with an international tournament right around the corner – especially with many fans calling for the midfielder to be axed from the squad.
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