Fiorentina are reportedly looking to hijack Leeds United’s move for Manchester City flop Kalvin Phillips, as Stefano Pioli looks for reinforcements in midfield.
Will Kalvin Phillips Leave Manchester City?
It’s fair to say that Kalvin Phillips’ time at Manchester City has been rather disappointing, with the Englishman failing to meet expectations under Pep Guardiola.
The tenacious midfielder signed from Leeds United in July 2022 for around $50 million after an impressive spell with the Yorkshire-based side, accumulating 234 appearances for his boyhood side.
Many were surprised by Phillips’ decision to join Manchester City, as the midfield was packed with talent including the likes of Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva.
The English international failed to make his mark on the side during his opening campaign, as City went on to win the illustrious treble with success in the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.
Phillips made just two league starts during the 2022/23 campaign, both coming after City had already clinched the title and he ended the season with just 595 minutes of action across all competitions.
Following this disappointing season, Phillips failed to break into the side yet again during the opening stages of the 2023/24 campaign and joined West Ham on loan in January 2024.
Once again, the Yorkshire-born midfielder failed to cement his place in the side, making just 10 appearances for the Hammers and putting in some poor performances – being dropped from the David Moyes’ starting eleven.
After West Ham declined the chance to sign Phillips on a permanent basis, Phillips headed back out on loan for the 2024/25 season and joined Ipswich Town.
The 29-year-old managed to show signs of the player that fans had seen at Leeds but a repeated set of injuries disrupted any momentum and he made just 19 Premier League appearances for the Tractor Boys.
Ipswich did not offer a permanent deal for the midfielder and Phillips is now back in Manchester for pre-season, with a move away all-but certain this summer.
Leeds United have been heavily linked to resign their academy graduate, but several offshore sportsbooks have priced alternative options for the midfielder this summer.
Phillips has never played outside of England, but with time running out, the former West Ham loanee may be looking for a late move away – including a potential switch to Serie A.
Are Fiorentina Interested In Kalvin Phillips?
Fiorentina have endured a whirlwind summer window, which was kick-started with the surprise dismissal of Raffaele Palladino, who was made surplus requirements just three-weeks after signing an extended deal in Florence.
Stefano Pioli was hired shortly after, as the Italian takes the reins of the Viola for a second time – managing Fiorentina between July 2017 and April 2019.
The Serie A side have acted strongly when it comes to additions this summer following a poor league campaign, signing Nicolo Fagioli, Albert Gudmundsson, Robin Gosens, Jacopo Fazzini, Edin Dzeko, Mattia Viti, Eman Kospo and Luca Lezzerini.
Pioli has managed to get a good look of his new-look roster ahead of next season, with Fiorentina facing multiple sides on their pre-season tour so far.
At this current moment in time there has been no contact between Fiorentina and Manchester City over a move for Phillips, but the Italian side will need to act swiftly as Leeds United are ready to submit an official bid for their former star.
