Fulham have reportedly h
identified Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips as a potential Joao Palhinha replacement.
According to a report from HITC, Fulham are interested in acquiring the services of Kalvin Phillips ahead of next season. The Cottagers have started to plan for life without Joao Palhinha amidst interest in him from Bayern Munich, and they feel the Manchester City midfielder could help them cope with his potential absence.
Phillips made a name for himself at Leeds United after coming up their ranks. After impressing with his childhood club in the Premier League, he moved to Manchester City in a deal worth £45 million back in 2022. The move has not gone according to plan as he has not been able to break into Pep Guardiola’s first team.
The English international spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham. But even that did not work out, and he eventually lost his place in Gareth Southgate’s England team for the Euros. While he is back at his parent club, there is no future for Phillips at the Manchester-based club.
Fulham eye Phillips as Palhinha replacement
Manchester City are ready to sanction Kalvin Phillips’s departure, and there is interest in his services from Fulham. The Cottagers might soon need to find a replacement for Joao Palhinha. The Portuguese defensive midfielder was close to joining Bayern Munich last summer. But, the deal collapsed on deadline day and he ended up staying in the Premier League.
The German giants retain their interest in the 28-year-old and have already submitted offers to acquire his services. While the opening bid has been rejected, they are expected to keep pushing for his signature.
If Palhinha does end up leaving, they will look to bring Phillips to the club to ensure Marco Silva has the needed quality and depth to continue the progress made so far.
With the former Leeds United midfielder’s contract at Manchester City running until the summer of 2028. So a loan deal might be the only way Fulham could bring him to their club. Guardiola’s team are ready to cover his wages as they look to get him off their books which means it could be a win-win for all parties involved.
