Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips has made a surprise Deadline Day move to Sheffield United on a season-long loan deal, with the club reportedly covering the bulk of his £50m-per-year salary.
The 30-year-old, who was limited to just seven minutes in the Carabao Cup this season for City, is looking to reignite his career in the Championship after falling down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola. Phillips spent eight years at Leeds United, making 214 appearances before a big-money move to Manchester City in 2022.
Despite being part of a squad that won the treble in his first season, Phillips struggled to establish himself as a regular starter and only made 32 appearances for City. He also had loan stints at West Ham and Ipswich, failing to make an impact on either occasion.
Phillips has been capped 31 times for England and was part of the Euro 2020 final squad, but his most recent cap came in 2023. His move back to Yorkshire could be a chance to rediscover form and get back on track, with many pundits hailing the deal as a potential career-rebuild opportunity.
"It's sad because making one wrong move can jeopardise everything," former England international Jamie Redknapp said. "He wants to play, that's a good thing... He wants to go and put himself on the line and go play for Sheffield United. I hope it works out well."
Analysts believe that Phillips' return to the Championship could be just what he needs to rebuild his career. "It just hasn't worked out for Kalvin Phillips at Man City, and dropping into the Championship might just be the move that finally allows him to rebuild his career," said Sky Sports News' Ben Ransom.
The question now is whether this move will prove to be a turning point in Phillips' career or simply another false start. One thing is certain: he'll need to produce on the pitch if he wants to make the most of this new opportunity.
The 30-year-old, who was limited to just seven minutes in the Carabao Cup this season for City, is looking to reignite his career in the Championship after falling down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola. Phillips spent eight years at Leeds United, making 214 appearances before a big-money move to Manchester City in 2022.
Despite being part of a squad that won the treble in his first season, Phillips struggled to establish himself as a regular starter and only made 32 appearances for City. He also had loan stints at West Ham and Ipswich, failing to make an impact on either occasion.
Phillips has been capped 31 times for England and was part of the Euro 2020 final squad, but his most recent cap came in 2023. His move back to Yorkshire could be a chance to rediscover form and get back on track, with many pundits hailing the deal as a potential career-rebuild opportunity.
"It's sad because making one wrong move can jeopardise everything," former England international Jamie Redknapp said. "He wants to play, that's a good thing... He wants to go and put himself on the line and go play for Sheffield United. I hope it works out well."
Analysts believe that Phillips' return to the Championship could be just what he needs to rebuild his career. "It just hasn't worked out for Kalvin Phillips at Man City, and dropping into the Championship might just be the move that finally allows him to rebuild his career," said Sky Sports News' Ben Ransom.
The question now is whether this move will prove to be a turning point in Phillips' career or simply another false start. One thing is certain: he'll need to produce on the pitch if he wants to make the most of this new opportunity.
IF HE CAN PRODUCE GOOD FORM, I THINK HE'LL BE DOING GREAT THINGS IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP 
. maybe his best bet is actually playing in the Championship, who knows, he might just find his groove again 
.
his career has been kinda stagnant lately and it's like he's running out of chances. but at the same time, 8 years is a long time and i'm sure he's still got some good stuff in him 
only time will tell...
Do you think his England days will give him the confidence boost he needs or what? 
... but at the same time, he's tryna reinvent himself, and the championship can be a great place to do that 
... just hope he gets back on track and shows ppl what he's cap of 
. He's still only 30 and has a ton of experience under his belt. If he can just get some decent minutes and start scoring goals, I think he'll be golden 
. But at the same time, you never know... maybe this is just another false start 
they basically have to pay him all year just to get rid of him 
but maybe shrewd move for shuvs?
And Kalvin Phillips is taking a huge risk by leaving Manchester City for Sheffield United - his wages are like 10x what he'll make at the new club 
But I guess that's the thing with football, you gotta take calculated risks and hope for the best 
He's definitely had his ups and downs, but maybe this move will be the one that turns it around for him
So, Phillips might actually have some time to turn things around
️. Plus, it's always good to have a fresh start, right?
. It's a shame, really. Kalvin Phillips is an experienced player who deserves better than that.
. I mean, he was part of that treble-winning squad at City and he has England caps under his belt too... what more does he need to do to prove himself? 
. Fingers crossed he makes it work out well at Sheffield United 
He's just gonna get eaten alive in the Championship and end up playing for some obscure team again. 
Like, what if he can't even get 20 minutes of playing time? 
That would be so harsh on his ego... 
And don't even get me started on his salary, £50m a year?! 
that's just crazy talk! 
like, maybe this is exactly what he needs, a fresh start in a lower league where he can prove himself all over again. 
Maybe Pep Guardiola didn't give him enough chances to shine at City and now Kalvin's gonna get his chance to redeem himself. 
Yeah, that would be awesome... 
... People are saying it might be just what he needs to rebuild his career 
... But what if he doesn't get back on track? 
. this loan deal could be a fresh start for him, though - maybe being in the championship will help him regain his form and prove to himself and others that he's still got it 
. I do worry he might get overlooked again though, but at least he's giving it a shot! 
It's not gonna be easy for him, but if anyone can turn things around, it's Kalvin Phillips!