Kieran Gibbs has urged Newcastle United to sign ‘high-quality’ Manchester City star
Kieran Gibbs has backed Newcastle United to secure the transfer of Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips this summer.
The former Premier League left-back added that Kalvin Phillips is a ‘high-quality’ performer, but it hasn’t worked out for him at Manchester City following his £42 million transfer last summer (Sky Sports).
As a result, Gibbs feels that the 27-year-old needs a ‘refresh’ and he has backed him to join Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United, who will be in the Champions League next season, as he told ESPN.
There is interest from Newcastle for the former Leeds United player, but he has just won the Treble at the Etihad, so will he be willing to leave?
From a trophy standpoint, of course, he decreases his chances big time by going to St James’ Park, but his development might just fair better and he will still be playing at the elite level.
Perhaps Phillips just needed 12 months to settle in like Jack Grealish and all will be good next season? For Gibbs, it’s a lot tougher for the defensive-minded midfielder because of the ‘insane level’ of quality that he is fighting up against.
“I don’t think he has been given an adequate amount of chances to prove himself at that level,” said Gibbs. “I do think he is a high-quality player.
“How are you going to get in a team of Rodri, de Bruyne and Gundogan? We are talking about an insane level of midfield there. It’s been tough for him.
“I do think he needs a refresh. I think Newcastle is a good shout for him. I would like to see him there. I think it’s a shame for Kalvin. He has nicked a Treble, by the way, so I am not sure he will be complaining that much.”
Phillips would fair well under Howe
Whether he is starting on a regular basis or not at Man City, there isn’t a better football education for any player than one under Pep Guardiola.
But if Phillips does decide to leave, then Howe might just be his best bet, there is Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, but they are bringing in Declan Rice.
Either way, the ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’ has a big call to make because if he decides to stay, and he is in this same position in 12 months, then it will cost him his plane ticket to Euro 2024 in Germany.