‘My intention’ – Ex-Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips has already made feelings clear on Liverpool transfer

‘My intention’ – Ex-Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips has already made feelings clear on Liverpool transfer
Kalvin Phillips is one name linked with a possible move to Liverpool with Fabinho poised to depart

Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips has been linked with a move to Liverpool this summer amid Fabinho’s proposed departure to Saudi Arabia.

Widespread reports claim the Brazilian has been the subject of a £40m bid from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, who are managed by former Tottenham Hotspur and Wolves boss Nuno Espírito Santo.

Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips has been linked with a move to Liverpool this summer amid Fabinho’s proposed departure to Saudi Arabia.

Widespread reports claim the Brazilian has been the subject of a £40m bid from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, who are managed by former Tottenham Hotspur and Wolves boss Nuno Espírito Santo.

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The Brazilian was believed to be have been part of Liverpool’s plans for the 2023-24 season despite the additions of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.

However, a sizeable offer has been enough for the Reds to consider striking a deal with the Saudi outfit, even though it would leave Jurgen Klopp searching for more midfield additions.

One man widely linked is former Leeds United star Phillips who made the switch from Elland Road to the Etihad Stadium last summer for a £42m fee.

He struggled for game time as Pep Guardiola’s side won the treble but speaking last month he has already made clear his desire to fight for his place at the club.

The England international was limited to just 21 appearances with last season’s treble winners, most of them coming from the bench. He started just two Premier League games, both of which came after City had already sealed the title.

However, he insisted last month: “My intention is to stay. 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.’ As you have seen with many players at City, it can take quite a while to cement yourself into the team.”

He added: “I spoke to quite a few of the players about it [lack of game-time]. Nathan Aké being one; Jack [Grealish]. They all said the same: the first 12 months were the hardest of their City careers but after that it … it doesn’t become easy, but easier. I’m just going to go away for the off-season and enjoy myself with my family and girlfriend and friends and then come back fighting.”

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Liverpool
‘My intention’ – Ex-Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips has already made feelings clear on Liverpool transfer
Kalvin Phillips is one name linked with a possible move to Liverpool with Fabinho poised to depart

Ben McKenna
By Ben McKenna
Published 16th Jul 2023, 07:00 BST

Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips has been linked with a move to Liverpool this summer amid Fabinho’s proposed departure to Saudi Arabia.

Widespread reports claim the Brazilian has been the subject of a £40m bid from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, who are managed by former Tottenham Hotspur and Wolves boss Nuno Espírito Santo.

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The Brazilian was believed to be have been part of Liverpool’s plans for the 2023-24 season despite the additions of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.

However, a sizeable offer has been enough for the Reds to consider striking a deal with the Saudi outfit, even though it would leave Jurgen Klopp searching for more midfield additions.

One man widely linked is former Leeds United star Phillips who made the switch from Elland Road to the Etihad Stadium last summer for a £42m fee.

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He struggled for game time as Pep Guardiola’s side won the treble but speaking last month he has already made clear his desire to fight for his place at the club.

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The England international was limited to just 21 appearances with last season’s treble winners, most of them coming from the bench. He started just two Premier League games, both of which came after City had already sealed the title.

However, he insisted last month: “My intention is to stay. 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.’ As you have seen with many players at City, it can take quite a while to cement yourself into the team.”

He added: “I spoke to quite a few of the players about it [lack of game-time]. Nathan Aké being one; Jack [Grealish]. They all said the same: the first 12 months were the hardest of their City careers but after that it … it doesn’t become easy, but easier. I’m just going to go away for the off-season and enjoy myself with my family and girlfriend and friends and then come back fighting.”

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Earlier this week, he echoed those sentiments on talkSPORT, telling the radio station: “I kind of look at Jack and just think he’s my inspiration in this part.

“He had a tough first year and so did I, second year he came out firing so I’m looking forward to getting pre-season started and hopefully I can turn things around.”

James Brooke
Fiorentina have not ruled out the sale of reported Liverpool target Sofyan Amrabat this summer.

Amrabat was one of the standout performers at last year’s World Cup. His performances for Morocco led to him being hailed as ‘exceptional’ by TalkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara, as he led his country to the semi-finals.

Amrabat’s displays in Qatar also fuelled speculation that he would be on the move from Florence. Although that has yet to materialise, the likes of The Athletic have this weekend pegged the 26-year-old as being on Liverpool’s radar. The Moroccan is seemingly being considered as a replacement for Fabinho.

Adding a little more colour to the links, Calciomercato have now claimed that Amrabat’s current club aren’t opposed to the idea of selling him.

They would reportedly be looking for an ‘important offer’ in order to do so, though. It’s claimed that for Liverpool, or anyone else, to get him, it’s going to cost £21-27m. Definitely do-able.

Liverpool turn to Amrabat
Fabinho’s imminent sale to Al Ittihad has left Liverpool a little up the creek without a paddle. The Reds weren’t intending to sell the Brazilian this summer.

Regardless, Fabinho is set to leave anyway. And without a natural replacement in the squad, Liverpool are going to have to replace him as best they can.

Judging from his performances last season, it shouldn’t be too hard to upgrade on the 29-year-old. But it’s still vitally important that Liverpool make the right decision.

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Sofyan Amrabat

Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images
Adding a little more colour to the links, Calciomercato have now claimed that Amrabat’s current club aren’t opposed to the idea of selling him.

They would reportedly be looking for an ‘important offer’ in order to do so, though. It’s claimed that for Liverpool, or anyone else, to get him, it’s going to cost £21-27m. Definitely do-able.

Liverpool turn to Amrabat
Fabinho’s imminent sale to Al Ittihad has left Liverpool a little up the creek without a paddle. The Reds weren’t intending to sell the Brazilian this summer.

Regardless, Fabinho is set to leave anyway. And without a natural replacement in the squad, Liverpool are going to have to replace him as best they can.

Judging from his performances last season, it shouldn’t be too hard to upgrade on the 29-year-old. But it’s still vitally important that Liverpool make the right decision.

Sofyan Amrabat
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images

Since yesterday, a number of players have already been linked with filling that void. Kalvin Phillips is reportedly one option, as is Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis. But in our opinion, Amrabat trumps them all.

No, he isn’t perfect. He could be two or three years younger and have a little more experience at the top level. But he’s robust, physical, athletic and aggressive. Four things Liverpool’s midfield absolutely wasn’t last season.

The price-tag doesn’t look bad at all and if the Reds can bring a young understudy like Romeo Lavia in as well, there’s little risk attached.

Others may disagree and see Amrabat as a downgrade from Fabinho. From what we saw in the World Cup though, the former Hellas Verona man has the capability to hit a really high level. Amped up and determined to carve out a place in Liverpool’s midfield, he could be the perfect addition.