Liverpool will be counting their blessings after seeing how Kalvin Phillips’ career has panned out over the past 12 months. The midfielder was heavily linked with a move to Anfield last summer but ultimately alternative targets were favoured.
Jurgen Klopp orchestrated a major rebuild of his Reds midfield last summer, with Jordan Henderson and James Milner amongst a host of ageing stars allowed to depart. Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo arrived as replacements, and the quartet made an instant impact on Merseyside.
However, the four arrivals were not the only stars linked with a move to Liverpool. Phillips was heavily tipped to make the move from Manchester City to the Reds, with the England international frequently being cited as the ‘Fabinho replacement’ in the eyes of club chiefs.
Ultimately, Phillips remained at the Etihad Stadium until January before joining West Ham on loan.
The stint in London did not prove a success though, with the midfielder quickly losing the faith of supporters and making just 10 appearances for the Hammers highlighting why he is in major need of a confidence boost.
Phillips made several costly mistakes for the Hammers, including being sent off against Nottingham Forest for two yellow cards in the space of three minutes, and has now returned to City after the higher powers at the club opted not to active the buy option clause in the loan deal.
A move away from City is firmly on the cards this summer, with a permanent exit favoured by all parties.
Though it is not Liverpool that is among Phillips’ suitors, with Everton being the most notable Premier League side to register an interest in acquiring the services of the ex-Leeds United playmaker. Instead, European outfits are looking to take a chance on the 28-year-old.
According to The Sun, Phillips is ‘likely’ to head abroad this summer in an attempt to get his career back on track. The player is ‘open’ to playing football overseas, with RB Leipzig, RB Salzburg and AS Roma are all monitoring his situation closely.
Loan offers are not out of the question from elsewhere, but City will encourage negotiations for a permanent deal. Phillips is undoubtedly a talented player when at his best, but he will need a significant upturn in form and a surge of encouragement if he is to return to his glory days – and Liverpool will be breathing a sigh of relief that the midfielder is not enduring the toughest time in his career whilst on their books.
