Mueez Ajao
– Manchester City have completed the signing of Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips, it was announced on Monday.
– Earlier in June that Premier League champions City will pay an initial £42 million to sign the midfielder with another £3m due in add-ons.
– Phillips, 26, will compete for a place in midfield with Rodri and replace Fernandinho in the squad after the Brazilian departed at the end of last season following nine years at the Etihad. He joins in time for City’s preseason tour of the U.S.
Also Read: Man City reach an agreement with Leeds to sign Kalvin Phillips
– “I am absolutely delighted to have joined Manchester City,” Phillips said. “City have again proved to the best team in the country with an amazing squad and a manager in Pep Guardiola who is rightly considered to be the finest in the world.
Dear @LUFC… 🤍 pic.twitter.com/bA3YAcq7VJ
— Kalvin Phillips (@Kalvinphillips) July 4, 2022
– “To be able to play under Pep and learn from him and his coaching staff as well as be part of a such a fantastic squad is a prospect that I am incredibly excited about.
We are delighted to announce the signing of @Kalvinphillips on a six-year deal 🤩
Welcome, Kalvin! 💙#ManCity pic.twitter.com/3fNJthPNIL
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 4, 2022
– “City are a world-class club with world-class staff and facilities and it’s a dream come true to have joined the club.
Adding another Yorkshire lad to the mix ✅@Kalvinphillips | #ManCity pic.twitter.com/iMNrCGZ6Wb
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 4, 2022
– “Now I can’t wait to get started and to look to try and help the team to go on and achieve more success.”
So proud to join one of the best clubs in the world. Can’t wait to keep on challenging myself and learn from the best along the way 🙌🏽💙 @ManCity pic.twitter.com/FKPr2XYRdS
— Kalvin Phillips (@Kalvinphillips) July 4, 2022
– With the signing of Phillips and Erling Haaland already done, City are now set to focus on their pursuit of Brighton left-back Marc Cucurella.
Our new number 4️⃣✨#ManCity pic.twitter.com/hxf8r2Pkkm
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 4, 2022
– Phillips helped Leeds gain promotion to the Premier League in 2020. He made his international debut for England the same year and played a key role in their run to the final of Euro 2020 where Gareth Southgate’s side were beaten on penalties by Italy. He leaves Leeds having made 234 appearances for his boyhood club, scoring 14 goals.
"It’s one of the main reasons I wanted to come to City, to improve my game in loads of different ways" 💬
Watch @Kalvinphillips' first City interview! ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/Cryt0KxJtA
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 4, 2022
– Meanwhile, Leeds announced the signing of Darko Gyabi from City later on Monday for an undisclosed fee.
He's here! ✍️🤩 pic.twitter.com/8QxJ6gbueQ
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 4, 2022
– The 18-year-old midfielder, who played a key role in guiding City’s Under-18 side to win the Premier League North title, has signed a five-year contract at Elland Road.
Welcome to City, @Kalvinphillips! 💙 pic.twitter.com/F2IDFCcZJG
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 4, 2022