Txixi Bergiristain has commented on the Manchester City website after the Premier League champions completed a deal to sign Kalvin Phillips from Leeds United. He says City have been admirers of Phillips for some time.
Phillips, 26, has put pen to paper on a contract that will last until 2028 at Manchester City. A deal that many have reported to be worth an initial £42million, plus £3million in add-ons. Darko Gyabi is going in the opposite direction.
It sees Manchester City replace the loss of Fernandinho, while also bringing in competition for Rodri. Phillips leaves Leeds for the first time in his entire career, having joined Leeds as a child in the Yorkshire club’s academy.
Commenting on the move to The Etihad from Elland Road, sporting director Begiristain says that Phillips is a player that has been admired for a while at Manchester City. He says Phillips is a perfect fit.
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“Kalvin is a player that we have long admired. At both domestic and international level, he has proved his fantastic ability over the past few seasons,” Begiristain told City’s website.
“His reading of the game, his passing ability, energy and drive make him a formidable talent. He is a player who has a fantastic will to win. We feel he will be a superb addition and that he will complement our game perfectly.”
Begiristain has commented on Phillips deal from Leeds
So, a brilliant signing for Manchester City and one they have wanted for a while. But it leaves an enormous hole at Leeds and fans will now expecting to bring in a big-money replacement. Liam Cooper gave his verdict, too.
But what now for Phillips? Will he start? Probably not to begin with, but the England man will look to learn from Pep Guardiola and will certainly improve. Over time, he will no doubt be a regular in City’s starting XI.
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