Kalvin Phillips hasn’t given up on salvaging his Manchester City career, but he accepts time is running out to prove himself at the Etihad Stadium.
The 27-year-old joined City from Leeds United last summer in a deal worth more than £40m, but he has not been able to win over Pep Guardiola.
The Spaniard has openly questioned Phillips’ fitness and that has seen him start just two Premier League games since he moved across the Pennines – those outings came after City had wrapped up the title for a third season in a row.
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Sources have told ATLFM SPORTS that Phillips and his representatives had hoped a full pre-season at City – something he didn’t get under his belt last year – would make a big difference and help integrate him into Guardiola‘s plans, especially with the summer exit of captain Ilkay Gundogan.
But that has not been the case despite Rodri’s recent suspension as Guardiola has instead turned to 18-year-old Rico Lewis and Bernardo Silva to play in the deep-lying midfield role.
Phillips still believes he can force his way into Guardiola’s thinking – he has communicated that message to his representatives – but accepts that he may have to leave the club if his situation does not change by January.
