Danny Murphy tells Newcastle-linked star ‘it hasn’t worked’ amid rumours of Man City exit
Kalvin Phillips needs to take a long hard look at his Manchester City future amid reports of interest from Newcastle, according to Danny Murphy.
Phillips, 27, left Leeds United to join City last summer for a reported fee of £42m. He had been a star for the Whites under Marcelo Bielsa and helped them regain their Premier League status. However, the chance to play at England’s top team was too much to turn down and he inked a six-year Etihad contract.
A few eyebrows were raised at the time, with several pundits wondering where he would fit into Pep Guardiola’s plans.
And that proved to be the case as the England star made only two top-flight starts among 12 appearances.
He was also used sparsely in the Champions League, enjoying just 38 minutes of action as City lifted the trophy.
Phillips was also an unused substitute in City’s 2-1 FA Cup final triumph over Manchester United.
It all adds up to a frustrating period for the Leeds-born schemer. And it was slightly surprising that Gareth Southgate picked him in his squad for England’s games this summer.
He responded with his first goal for the Three Lions as England beat North Macedonia 7-0 at Old Trafford.
Attention has now inevitably turned to his future, with the transfer window open. Newcastle United are one of the clubs to have been linked.
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The Magpies are looking to strengthen for their return to the Champions League after finishing fourth last term.
They have already added Sandro Tonali, who signed from AC Milan. Therefore links to Phillips seem strange as the pair occupy the same area of the pitch.
Phillips needs to see more action
Phillips was a superstar at Leeds and formed a superb midfield partnership with Declan Rice for England.
But his career has currently stagnated and Murphy believes he needs to make a few tough decisions.
“If I was him, I think you’d have to be realistic and understand that it hasn’t worked,” he told talkSPORT.
“If he wants to give up another year doing the same thing, fair enough. That’s up to him.
“If he’s had a conversation with Pep that maybe we don’t know about – ‘look, I’m going to use you more’ – then of course you’re going to stay. It’s the most successful team.
“But I personally – if I went a season at any club where I was playing that little, I left. I manufactured a way out He’s a good player. There will be plenty of takers for him.”
Aston Villa are also thought to be admirers of the man with 27 England caps.
The West Midlanders enjoyed a superb resurgence under Unai Emery to finish seventh.
However, it is open to debate whether Phillips would move to a club that could not offer Champions League football.
Guardiola was critical of his fitness levels last season, suggesting he was overweight.
Those comments prompted speculation of a City exit. But much will depend on conversations the player has with his boss during pre-season.
