Manchester City made a mistake when they bought Kalvin Phillips, and it is one that Newcastle United could benefit from.
The 27-year-old is out of favour at Manchester City, and looks certain to leave the Etihad Stadium when the January transfer window opens next month.
St James’ Park looks like his most likely destination, with Eddie Howe keen to bring in a midfielder to replace the suspended Sandro Tonali.
Phillips has been heavily linked with joining Newcastle. It has been claimed that the Magpies have received encouragement to make a move for the England international, while it has also been reported that he is interested in a move to Tyneside.
With injuries piling up, Newcastle need Phillips more than ever, and Pep Guardiola’s latest comments about the £42million man suggest that there really is no way back for him at Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola is ‘sorry’ he hasn’t picked Kalvin Phillips for Man City
Ahead of Manchester City’s game against Luton Town, Guardiola spoke to the media. He was asked about Phillips’ future, which led to the City chief apologising to the 2022 signing.
“I don’t know what will happen,” he told Manchester World.
“I feel so sorry for my decisions for him, I said many times. He doesn’t deserve not to give him minutes.
“I’m so sorry. It’s him I am asking for good personality, good character, thinking about the end. This is a perfect example. After that I have to give him something, I didn’t do that. It’s just because I visualise something, I visualise the team and things, I struggle a little bit to see him, that’s all.
“It’s not because I am not pleased. I feel so sorry for him. It’s a business, in the end I have to act professional.”
Newcastle poised with move away inevitable for Phillips
When Guardiola visualises his Manchester City team, he is unable to see Phillips in it. When you think about it, that is pretty scathing.
Guardiola says he does not know what will happen to the former Leeds man, but it looks pretty obvious in all honesty. A move away is inevitable, and it is what is best for both parties.
But whether he joins Newcastle remains to be seen. Juventus have also been linked, but heading to the North East would be a safer bet – especially with Euro 2024 on the horizon.
Phillips would be a welcome addition to Eddie Howe’s squad. He is a player who Newcastle have been linked with in the past, and it sounds like this is our best opportunity to sign him.
The stars appear to be aligning, with all roads hopefully leading to Phillips joining Newcastle United in January.
Guardiola can’t see Phillips in his City team, but we can certainly see him in a black and white shirt at St James’ Park.
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