Manchester City star Rodri has told his club’s official website after signing a new contract until 2027 that Kalvin Phillips is a “great signing”, after the England international completed a move from Leeds United earlier this month.
Phillips, 26, has joined City after the Premier League champions waved goodbye to Fernandinho. The Leeds academy product joins City for a fee that is believed to be worth £45million – and initial £42million and £3million in add-ons.
An emotional moment for both Phillips and Leeds fans, but one that the majority of the Leeds fanbase understood. He joins a club that are competing directly for trophies, while Leeds finished in a lowly 17th place last season.
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Rodri has signed a new deal until 2027 and the Spain international is seen as direct competition for Phillips. Asked about the signing of the Englishman, Rodri believes he is a “great signing” for Pep Guardiola’s team.
“He is a great player. We saw that at Leeds. We need this kind of player because Fernandinho left. We need physical players who can play holding midfielder and in forward positions. I think it is a great signing.”
Rodri: Phillips is a great signing after Leeds move
The difference Phillips will now see, is that he is not a guaranteed starter. Something he has become accustomed to over the past four or more years at Leeds. Even with England, Phillips is still arguably first choice.
Is he good enough to start? He will have to prove as much to Guardiola over the course of the next 12 months. But ultimately, Rodri is one of the world’s best in his position. It will take a lot to displace the Spaniard.
But in years to come, he could be a crucial part of City’s side and end up lifting the Champions League. That is, what Leeds boss Jesse Marsch text the midfielder saying he “can’t wait” to see.
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