Kalvin Phillips makes decision on Man City transfer exit after Grealish chat

Kalvin Phillips will give his Manchester City career one more shot this summer now he is fully fit but admits he cannot afford to risk his Euro 2024 hopes by not playing again. He takes hope though from “second seasoners” like Jack Grealish and Nathan Ake who took time to settle at the Etihad but who both had a major part to play in their treble success.

By contrast, Phillips struggled for game time this year following his summer move from Leeds. But he is hoping that a pre-season without being hampered by injury concerns – plus a heart-to-heart with manager Pep Guardiola – will be enough to secure a more permanent place.

That’s after he finished this season on a positive note with his first ever goal for England. “I came to Manchester City to win trophies and we won the trophies but I didn’t play as much as I wanted to do,” Phillips said.

“With England I played a little bit, but was ruled out through injuries as well. It is just nice to be back fit. I have nothing to worry about now. Everything is fine with my body.

“I will continue to work hard next season and hopefully do well when I go back to City. I will also definitely speak to Pep [Guardiola]. but I’ll probably leave it until I go back for pre-season.

“I’ll just speak to him and have a good conversation. I have already spoken to quite a few of the players about it. Nathan Ake being one. Jack Grealish. They all said the same.

“They all said the first 12 months were the hardest of their City careers but after that it… it doesn’t become easy, but it is easier.” However, with Euro 2024 looming on the horizon, the clock is ticking.

“My intention is to stay there,” he said. “We have just won the treble, so there is no reason for me to leave – other than if I am not playing. I will obviously have to think about it. I cannot give it 12 months and say I am not playing so I am going to leave.”

City open their Premier League season away at Vincent Kompany’s Burnley on August 11. Phillips will hope to feature in the Community Shield the Sunday before, when City take on Arsenal at Wembley in a match City fans plan to protest against due to the date and time.

The kick-off time has been altered from 5.30pm to 4pm but some fans are expected to still opt against attending. Instead, they have donated money to Manchester’s food banks with thousands already raised by fan groups.