Everton handed January boost as Man City confident of signing Joshua Kimmich to replace Kalvin Phillips
Everton could be set to be handed a boost in their bid to sign Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City in the January transfer window.
TEAMTALK reported on Sunday (15 October) that the Citizens are confident of landing a deal to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich next year as the 28-year-old German’s contract is due to expire in 2025.
That could potentially open up the opportunity for England international Phillips to join the Toffees after they have recently expressed an interest in signing the 27-year-old midfielder [iNews].
The news outlet noted that Kimmich is currently weighing up his options after reportedly being unsettled with the Bundesliga giants due to the uncertainty around his future.
It said Man City were alerted to his potential availability over the summer and Pep Guardiola is believed to be in favour of signing him due to his ability to play in midfield or defence.
It admitted that the links to the 80-cap German international raise “long-term doubts” about the future of Phillips at the Etihad Stadium.
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He has already been down the pecking order at the Manchester club, having only made two Premier League starts since making the £45million move from Leeds United in July 2022.
The midfielder has also only played 70 minutes so far in the league this season after struggling to prove to Guardiola that he is good enough to become a regular fixture in his side.
There have been some conflicting reports around him recently, though, with some suggesting that he will move on in January and others claiming that he is determined to remain at the club to fight for his place.
If the Premier League champions were to land a deal for Kimmich – a prospect that is likely to be appealing for the German – then Phillips’ already slim opportunities are only likely to further decrease.
It’s so far unclear what kind of fee Man City would be looking for to allow him to leave, but they are likely to want to secure as much of the £45million back that they paid to sign him just over a year ago.
The fact he is still a regular fixture in the England team under Gareth Southgate is likely to ensure they do still receive a decent chunk of change for him, with several sides – including Bayern Munich – having been linked with him recently.
But if their asking price is in that region, then it’s unlikely that he will be signing for the Toffees due to the ongoing financial situation surrounding the club.
But perhaps a loan move could initially be on the cards if the Citizens are that desperate to move him on, with a permanent deal an option next summer when the Blues will hope to be in a better financial position.
There are several factors at play here, but the Merseysiders could be in the race to sign Phillips in January if the right opportunity presents itself.
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