Phillips’ preferred destination at this stage was Newcastle United.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has hinted that his club would be regarded as “a small club” if they stood in the way of one of their players joining another English club.
Manchester City had a terrific season in 2022/23, winning the treble for the first time. They defended the Premier League trophy, winning the FA Cup and lifting the Champions League trophy for the first time in their history.
Man City saw some players leaving the club. Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus joined Arsenal. Raheem Sterling made the switch to Chelsea. Cole Palmer was also allowed to join Chelsea and the latest player who is being linked with a move away from the club is Kalvin Phillips.
The Englishman has made two starts in the Premier League. The 27-year-old could move elsewhere in winter. While speaking last week, as quoted by talkSPORT, Guardiola has said: “Never. Never ever. From my point of view, I have said this to the club many times. I give my opinion to the club and they decide if the transfer suits for both sides and the player.
“Why? I think that means you are a small club. Big clubs, they don’t care. They make decisions for the benefit of all three parties, players and both clubs – and the agents sometimes. So really it is not a problem.‌
“If they want to go to Chelsea or United or, I don’t know, Liverpool, whatever, what is the problem? They are happy to be there and the club is happy with the transfer.
“The other club is happy with the amount of money they spend, so it is fine. Another player will come to us and we keep going in a good spirit and a good mood.”
A recent report claimed that Phillips’ preferred destination at this stage was Newcastle United. Howe is looking a replacement for Sandro Tonali who will serve a ban due to illegal betting.
See More:
- Pep Guardiola responds to Mauricio Pochettino ignoring handshake after Chelsea vs Man City
- Pep Guardiola on Cole Palmer’s bright start to Chelsea career
