Juventus appears on the verge of securing a loan deal for Kalvin Phillips, who has struggled to find success at Manchester City since his £42.5 million move from Leeds United in the summer of 2022. Despite initial interest from several Premier League clubs during the summer transfer window, Phillips opted to remain at Manchester City, aiming to compete for a spot in Pep Guardiola’s squad.
However, the English player’s playing time has been limited, making just eight appearances for Manchester City in the early months of the 2023–24 season, even amid the team’s ongoing injury woes. Reports from Italian outlet Calcio Mercato, echoed by Sports Witness, suggest that talks for a January loan move to Juventus have intensified.
Juventus is reportedly keen on securing Phillips for the remainder of the 2023–24 season, with the intention of returning him to Manchester City before the start of the 2024–25 season. While discussions about a potential permanent transfer may arise, Juventus is currently focused on finding a replacement for the suspended Nicolo Fagioli.
Phillips, eager for more playing time ahead of the 2024 European Championships in Germany, has expressed his desire to feature more prominently. Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, seemingly supports the move, stating that if Phillips wishes to leave, the club won’t impede his departure. Guardiola’s comments also imply dissatisfaction with Phillips’ conduct, emphasizing the importance of players actively participating in matches.
In the midst of these developments, the potential loan move to Juventus holds significance for both Phillips and the Serie A club, providing an opportunity for the player to rejuvenate his career and for Juventus to address their immediate midfield needs. As negotiations progress, the football community awaits the resolution of Phillips’ uncertain tenure at Manchester City and the prospect of a promising spell with Juventus.