Kalvin Phillips is expected to return to Manchester City’s Premier League squad this season after two consecutive loan spells, according to The Telegraph. The 29-year-old midfielder, who has not played for City since December 2023, could now get another chance under Pep Guardiola.
Phillips’ loan spells and last City appearance
Phillips spent last season at Ipswich Town, where he made 22 appearances and scored one goal. Before that, he was loaned to West Ham, but again struggled for minutes, playing only 10 times.
His last official match for Manchester City came on December 19, 2023, in the Club World Cup semifinal against Urawa Reds, a 3-0 victory featuring goals from Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovačić, plus an own goal from Marius Høibråten.
Career numbers at Manchester City
Since joining from Leeds United, Phillips has struggled to secure a place in Guardiola’s midfield. In the 2022/23 season, he made 21 appearances, while in 2023/24, he featured just 10 times before leaving on loan.
At Ipswich, however, he started 17 of the 22 matches he played, showing signs of regaining consistency.
Guardiola’s next step
With Manchester City looking to refresh its squad for another Premier League and Champions League campaign, Phillips could finally have the chance to prove himself. Guardiola reportedly views him as a depth option in midfield, though competition remains fierce with Rodri, Mateo Kovačić, and others ahead in the pecking order.
Another fresh addition to the squad is goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who joined City this summer.
