Former Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs now works as a TV pundit in the USA and has suggested that Kalvin Phillips would be a good fit at Newcastle United.
Following his £45million move from Leeds United to Manchester City last summer, Kalvin Phillips has managed to add three winners medals to his collection despite amassing just 593 minutes of football all season divided across 21 appearances in all competitions.
He was part of the historic Manchester City side that won the treble of the Premier League, the FA Cup and Champions League, but there are those who would question how much of a role he played in that success.
Newcastle are interested in signing Kalvin Phillips
Despite his lack of game time, Phillips still finds himself being picked for England by Gareth Southgate, but if he wants to retain his place he may have to move to find regular first team football.
Speaking on ESPN, former Arsenal left-back, Kieran Gibbs said that Phillips needs a refresh saying: “I don’t think he has been given an adequate amount of chances to prove himself at that level.
“I do think he is a high-quality player.
“How are you going to get in a team of Rodri, de Bruyne and Gundogan? We are talking about an insane level of midfield there. It’s been tough for him.
“I do think he needs a refresh. I think Newcastle is a good shout for him. I would like to see him there. I think it’s a shame for Kalvin. He has nicked a Treble, by the way, so I am not sure he will be complaining that much.”
Phillips could be set to play a bigger role for Guardiola next season
One thing that’s worth noting is how things seem to work for players joining Pep Guardiola‘s side. They’ll find themselves spending a lot of time on the bench in their first season before playing a bigger part in their second year.
The prime example of that is Jack Grealish who moved to Man City from Aston Villa for around £100million and barely featured in his first season. Now he’s an integral part of Guardiola’s side and is back to playing at his best.
Phillips would be a great signing for Newcastle and as they look for that holding midfielder who will allow Bruno Guimaraes more freedom to attack. He was ‘fantastic‘ at Leeds and still looked good when he did appear for City.
If Man City were to recoup their £45million outlay there could be a deal to be done there, unless Pep has him earmarked for a bigger role next season, which is possible given Phillips’ intent to stay at the Etihad.
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