Kalvin Phillips to be handed second chance at Manchester City following major squad decision | OneFootball

Manchester City are set to hand Kalvin Phillips the opportunity to resurrect his Etihad Stadium career this season, according to a new report.

The England midfielder’s time at City has been dominated by setbacks, with injuries, fitness struggles, and limited opportunities under Pep Guardiola defining his three-season association with the club.

Signed from Leeds United in the summer of 2022 for £45 million, Phillips was tipped to become a key figure in Manchester City’s midfield but has since slipped down the pecking order, with Rodri’s importance and the arrival of new recruits restricting his involvement.

Last season, a difficult loan spell at Ipswich underlined Phillips’ need for regular football and to make matters worse, the 29-year-old required Achilles surgery in May, keeping him out of pre-season and limiting his transfer options in the summer market.

As a result, speculation around his future grew, with many expecting Manchester City to sanction his permanent exit. However, circumstances have shifted with the close of the window, leaving Pep Guardiola and his staff with the decision to keep Phillips integrated in the senior set-up.

With fixture congestion looming across the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and domestic cups, there could yet be opportunities for Phillips to contribute if he can regain fitness and form.

According to The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, Kalvin Phillips is set to be named in Manchester City’s 25-man Premier League squad for this season, and subsequently given a chance to resurrect his career at the Etihad Stadium.

The decision signals a potential lifeline for the midfielder, who has endured a stop-start existence since making the move from Elland Road, while Pep Guardiola has previously praised Phillips’ professionalism despite limited game time.

Looking ahead, the challenge now falls to Phillips himself. Opportunities may not come frequently, but when they do, he will need to take them to justify his place in the Manchester City squad.

Cup competitions and substitute appearances could provide his best route back into Pep Guardiola’s plans, while the possibility of a January move will remain on the horizon if progress is limited.

For Manchester City, keeping Phillips involved maintains depth in a demanding season, while also preserving his value ahead of future windows. For Phillips, this may be the final chance to carve out a meaningful role in a squad filled with world-class competition.