Calvin Phillips is on the verge of a fourth loan spell from Manchester City, confirming a continuous pattern in his career at the club. This move comes as the squad undergoes changes, with Phillips no longer a key part of the club’s plans for the coming season.

The recent arrival of Elliott Anderson from Nottingham Forest has further complicated the situation for Phillips. The transfer of Anderson to Manchester cost £116m, indicating the club’s focus on acquiring new talent rather than retaining players seeking playing time.

Phillips arrived at City in 2022 after leaving Leeds United. He signed a six-year contract, which was a significant investment for the club. Prior to moving to City, Phillips spent eight seasons in the first team at Leeds United, where he built a reputation as one of the best defensive midfielders in the league.

During his time at Leeds, Phillips played a key role in helping the club secure their place in the Premier League. This was particularly significant given that Leeds had won the Championship the previous year, representing a fall from the top to the brink of relegation.

On the international stage, Phillips was part of the England squad that reached the final of Euro 2021. His performance in that tournament was crucial to England’s progress through all stages of the tournament, earning him the status of one of the most highly regarded midfielders of that generation.