Manchester City could reportedly accept a £40m offer for Kalvin Phillips from West Ham this summer, should they want to make his loan move a permanent one.
The Hammers clinched the temporary signing of the England international during the January transfer window, with a move away from the Etihad badly needed for him.
Phillips has found himself almost completely out of favour under Pep Guardiola, and with Euro 2024 around the corner, it was clear that a new challenge was required.
West Ham snapped him up, in what represents an exciting signing, even though he did make a bad start to life in east London, gifting Bournemouth a goal on his debut in the 1-1 draw at the London Stadium on Thursday.
According to Football Insider, the Hammers could be able to sign Phillips for £40m at the end of the season, should they decide they want to keep him on:
“West Ham United have been told by Man City that they will have to play £40million to make Kalvin Phillips’ loan move permanent, sources have told Football Insider.
[…]
“Phillips joined the Hammers on loan for the remainder of the season, but his deal does not include an option to buy. Should David Moyes’ side want to retain the England international after this campaign, they would have to enter fresh negotiations with Man City.
“It is believed that the 28-year-old does not feature in Pep Guardiola’s long-term plans and the club will look to get him off their books permanently in the summer.”
It is too soon to know if a permanent move for Phillips this summer makes sense, but he is certainly a high-level player who has been a key man for England in the past, impressing greatly at Euro 2020.
Admittedly, his career has stalled in the last 18 months or so, but there is no reason why he can’t be reborn at West Ham, adding a combination of technical ability and bite to the midfield.
Phillips will be so desperate to prove his worth before the Euros, as he looks to feature prominently for Gareth Southgate’s side, and the fact that he could want to join the Hammers on a long-term deal may also mean he is more focused than ever.
