Ipswich Town set to sign Manchester City midfielder previously linked with Bayern Munich and Juventus - Reports
Ipswich Town are reportedly closing in on the statement signing of Manchester City star Kalvin Phillips as they look to navigate the 2024-25 season. The Tractor Boys are eager to add the England international to their squad ahead of the commencement of the new campaign.
Moving straight from League One to the Premier League with successive promotions is no mean feat but Ipswich Town have managed just that. They gained promotion to the Championship in the 2022-23 season and finished second in the Championship last season with largely the same squad.
England international Kalvin Phillips made a name for himself at Leeds United, becoming an integral player in the national team under Gareth Southgate. He moved to Manchester City, where he found it difficult to break into the plans of manager Pep Guardiola, and spent the second half of the 2023-24 season on loan at West Ham United.
Phillips has had many suitors in the last year, with the likes of Bayern Munich and Juventus covering him but will now remain in the Premier League. Journalist Mike McGrath has revealed that the midfielder will sign a season-long loan deal with Ipswich Town before the season starts.
Kieran McKenna has got Ipswich Town fans optimistic about the season ahead after an impressive pre-season, which includes wins over Hoffenheim and Nice. The manager was wanted by Chelsea and Manchester United this summer, showing how highly-rated he is.
The Tractor Boys have already done business with Manchester City this summer, signing young striker Liam Delap permanently. They also added former Chelsea youngster Omari Hutchinson to their ranks after he initially impressed on loan.
Phillips will provide much-needed quality and experience in the middle of the park for McKenna's side. The 28-year-old is the kind of shrewd signing the club needs to make to retain their Premier League status beyond the 2024-25 season.
Manchester City hit with injury blow as season opener nears - Reports
Manchester City have been hit with an injury blow ahead of their Premier League opener against Chelsea on Sunday (August 18). The champions will be without youngster Oscar Bobb after he sustained a fracture in training, as per the BBC.
Bobb shone for Pep Guardiola's side in pre-season, assisting his side's only goal against Manchester United in the Community Shield. The 21-year-old was expected to start the season in his manager's best XI but will now have to sit out months of action. The Norway international sustained his injury as he attempted to turn in training without anyone touching him.
Manchester City will rue Bobby's absence after his impressive pre-season, which came on the back of 26 appearances last season. The youngster was targeted by a number of sides but is not expected to move as he signed a five-year contract only six months ago.