Liverpool prepare stunning Man City raid for rattled star who’d love to ditch Guardiola for Klopp
Liverpool have ‘let it be known’ they’re readying a shock move for a Man City star who’s ‘open’ to leaving and would ‘relish’ the chance to ditch Pep Guardiola for Jurgen Klopp, per a report.
Liverpool and Man City have been English football’s two dominant forces over the last five years. The Reds have been brought back down to earth this season, though hopes are high a long-awaited midfield rebuild can see them challenging for top honours once again next year.
Klopp’s side are understood to have pulled the plug on their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund ace, Jude Bellingham.
The escalating cost of the move (around £125m-£135m prior to agents fees and salary) put Liverpool’s nose out of joint.
Instead, two and more probably three cheaper, though no less impactful additions are on the agenda.
All manner of midfield options have been touted thus far. Among those known to be on Liverpool’s radar include Mason Mount, Conor Gallagher, Alexis Mac Allister, Moises Caicedo, Ryan Gravenberch and Nicolo Barella, to name just six.
However, according to a remarkable report from the Mirror, a shock move for Man City’s Kalvin Phillips is gathering pace.
Phillips’ Man City nightmare could end after one season
The former Leeds Utd favourite joined Man City in a deal worth £45m (including add-ons) last summer. However, it’s fair to say his maiden season at the Etihad has been nothing short of a nightmare.
Phillips has been best by injury and fitness issues and as such, has been restricted to just 406 minutes of action. However, even when fit, he’s regularly been overlooked by his manager.
Indeed, Guardiola opted to rest first-choice holding midfielder Rodri in the FA Cup semi-final clash with Sheffield Utd on Saturday. Yet Phillips remained rooted to the bench despite Rodri’s absence, and was again limited to a brief cameo late on when the tie was already in hand.
The Mirror report Liverpool have sensed an opportunity and are readying a £35m transfer move for the 27-year-old England international.
City’s stance on what would unquestionably be strengthening their fiercest rival isn’t stated. While Phillips hardly plays at the Etihad, the situation may be different at Anfield given Liverpool’s desperate need for new midfielders.
However, Phillips’ stance on what would be a surprise switch is stated in the piece. The Mirror report Phillips ‘is open’ to joining Liverpool and would ‘relish the chance to reboot his career’ under Klopp at Anfield.
Factoring into his thinking will be concerns over his standing with England ahead of Euro 2024. Phillips remains a key performer for Gareth Southgate, though a second season warming the bench at Man City could be fatal.
Phillips and Guardiola a match made in hell?
Aiding any Liverpool approach is likely to be Phillips’ seemingly strained relationship with Guardiola.
The report notes Pep was decidedly unimpressed when Phillips took his full holiday allocation of nine days after the World Cup rather than returning to club duties early.
Furthermore, Phillips turned up in what Guardiola believed to be less than satisfactory physical condition. The Spaniard then proceeded to publicly call out the player on the issue.
It’s also noted the presence of Rodri is unlikely to see Phillips ever become a regular starter at the club. At 26, Rodri won’t be leaving anytime soon.
West Ham have also shown interest in ending Phillips’ City nightmare. However, it now appears Liverpool have spied that same opportunity and the player is seemingly on board with joining the Reds.
READ MORE: Liverpool zero in on £35m replacement for fading star whose exit won’t be a surprise
