According to ESPN, Manchester City and Leeds United have reached an agreement to sign Kalvin Phillips.
City will pay an initial fee of £42 million for the midfielder, with a further £3 million payable in add-ons. Darko Gyabi, an 18-year-old midfielder, will join Leeds in a separate £5 million move.
Phillips will now finalise his personal terms with City before going through a physical. The 26-year-old should be able to join Pep Guardiola’s team for their tour of the United States after completing his move to the Etihad Stadium.
The England international will be the club’s second major acquisition of the summer, following the capture of Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland.
He will fight with Rodri for a midfield spot and will replace Fernandinho in the squad, who left at the end of last season after nine years at the Etihad. According to ESPN, City’s summer expenditure could rise if they can agree on a deal with Brighton for Spanish left-back Marc Cucurella.
Phillips has spent the previous two seasons in the Premier League following Leeds’ promotion from the Championship in 2020. He was also linked with a move to Manchester United.
He earned his international debut for England the same year, and he was instrumental in their journey to the Euro 2020 final, when Gareth Southgate’s team was defeated on penalties by Italy. He leaves Leeds having made 234 appearances for his boyhood club, scoring 14 goals.
Former Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford speaking to Sky Sports News had this to say about the transfer.
“It’s a phenomenal deal for someone that has come through the academy, it’s been nothing short of an incredible rise.
“On the flip side, it is frustrating from a Leeds perspective as we don’t want to see one of our own leaving. He’s been a one-club man, leading by example with his performances.
It’s a shame to see him leaving from a fan’s angle but it’s an incredible opportunity and one nobody would begrudge him the move.
“It’s a great deal for City, especially with Fernandinho leaving. They are replacing a living legend with another potential legend. I think it’s a brilliant deal from City’s perspective.
“I’m over the moon for him. He’s such a lovely guy, a great lad. All the boys will be sad to see him go.”
