Manchester City were hoping that Kalvin Phillips would hit the ground running at West Ham United but that has not been the case – and Fabrizio Romano has now dropped a transfer update on the struggling midfielder.
City loaned Phillips to West Ham in January, with the intention of helping Phillips rediscover his mojo.
He had been firmly rooted to the bench at the Etihad Stadium, with Pep Guardiola reluctant to use him even when Rodri was out through suspension.
It was always highly likely that he would leave on loan mid-season, and there was optimism when Phillips completed a move to West Ham, who are managed by David Moyes. Moyes is someone who has admired Phillips for years.
But his move there has been a total disaster so far – and there could now be repercussions of that for City, with Romano providing an update this morning…
Manchester City man Kalvin Phillips not expected to make permanent West Ham move now, as links to two other clubs also dismissed
Phillips joined West Ham on loan until the end of the season, and there have been conflicting reports about whether they have an option to buy him.
Some reported that they can do so for around £34 million.
But others have stated that there is no clause for the Hammers, and that new negotiations would need to take place over any permanent move.
Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano has provided an update this morning though, and he suggests that City and West Ham will not now be speaking about a permanent move this summer. He has also poured cold water on reports linking Phillips with two other clubs.
He said (via Caught Offside): “It’s not been the easiest season for Kalvin Phillips, who struggled for playing time at Manchester City and who is now failing to impress on loan at West Ham.
“As things stand, I don’t expect Phillips to stay at West Ham permanently. I think there will be other options and solutions. Still, from what I understand, all reports linking the player with the likes of Leeds and Fulham are really premature as nothing has been decided and nothing is concrete.
“This is not the kind of deal for April or May; Leeds’ full focus is not on the market but on the Championship now as they chase promotion back to the Premier League.”
Phillips’ form set to cost Man City millions
City had hoped that Phillips would find form and perhaps hold or increase his market value. Unfortunately, the exact opposite has been happening.
Phillips, sadly, looks like a player totally devoid of confidence. He is unrecognisable from that player who was so good for Leeds United.
That lack of game time at City has clearly affected the £150,000-a-week man really badly, and that is a great shame about a player who is genuinely a nice person and very popular with other players and staff.
His poor form is also a blow for City in that, the club are going to really struggle to recoup a lot of the £45 million they paid to sign him.
It is understandable that West Ham don’t want him permanently given what he has produced so far, and City may struggle to get even half their initial investment at this rate.