26-year-old England international Kalvin Phillips has signed a six-year deal with the Premier League champions. The player is Pep Guardiola’s third signing this summer after the club wrapped up Erling Haaland and Stefan Ortega Moreno transfers.
“I am absolutely delighted to have joined Manchester City. City have again proved to be the best team in the country,” Phillips said.
Phillips made 235 appearances over eight seasons for Leeds United and still had two years left on his deal. He praised City saying they have “an amazing squad and a manager in Pep Guardiola who is rightly considered to be the finest in the world”.
“To be able to play under Pep and learn from him and his coaching staff as well as be part of such a fantastic squad is a prospect that I am incredibly excited about,” added Phillips.
Having made his international debut in September 2020, Phillips was crowned England men’s Player of the Year for 2020-21 after he played every game at the Euro 2020 competition.
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
A favourite, Phillips featured 37 times in the Championship during the 2019-20 season. The incredible season saw Leeds promoted to the English Premier League after an agonizing 16 years.
Last season though, Phillips was out on the sidelines for a long time due to a hamstring injury which saw him rack up just 20 appearances.
After the signing was wrapped up, City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain said, “his reading of the game, alongside his passing ability, energy and drive make him a formidable talent and he is a player who has a fantastic will to win.”
“We feel he will be a superb addition to our squad and that he will complement our game perfectly.”
In an open letter to Leeds supporters, Phillips hailed ex-boss Bielsa.
“I cannot mention Leeds without mentioning one special person – Marcelo,” Phillips wrote. “The best manager I have ever come across. He is the man that gave the club life, he gave the players and everyone involved in the club the belief we were good enough to return to the Premier League after 16 years.”
“Not only did you give the club everything but you also gave me everything I needed to become the person I am today on and off the field,” added Phillips.
