Bayern Munich considering a move for Manchester City midfielder in January
It’s one of the worst-kept secrets in the Bundesliga that Bayern Munich are looking to strengthen their midfield in January.
Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka have done a fine job so far this year, but with the fixtures about to come thick and fast, the ability to rest them is limited by the lack of squad depth in that area of the pitch, even with the signing of Konrad Laimer who’s spent time in the right-back position over the first three months of the season.
Bayern were close to securing the signing of Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha during the summer transfer window, but the deal fell through at the final hurdle when Fulham were unable to find a suitable replacement in time. There has been talk that Bayern will reignite their interest in Palhinha in January, but the Portuguese man signed a new deal at Fulham extending his contract, which usually means the transfer fee increases.
Bayern Munich are now reportedly considering a move for Kalvin Phillips
Bayern were linked with a move for Phillips in the summer, but a move never materialized. According to Bild’s Christian Falk, Bayern are again considering a move for Phillips, who currently finds himself on the fringes at Manchester City.
Phillips is a true number six and his game is predicated on breaking up play and moving the ball between the lines. It was Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa who changed Phillips’s role from a box-to-box midfielder to a defensive lynchpin. Renowned for his defensive word, he’s the exact kind of player that Thomas Tuchel believes is missing at Bayern, with the Munich manager seeing Joshua Kimmich as more of an eight
Although he’s failed to make much of an impact at Manchester City following his move from Leeds back in 2022, he’s often been included in Gareth Southgate’s England squad and has made 28 appearances for the Three Lions since 2020.
If Bayern needs any more insight on Phillips in terms of the player and professional he is, England captain Harry Kane is well-placed to add valuable information to the conversation.
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With the European Championships just around the corner, you have to believe that Phillips would be open to a move away from Manchester City. He’s managed just five appearances and 167 minutes across all competitions for Man City this season, and his 70 Premier League minutes must be a concern if he hopes to solidify a place in the heart of the England midfield.
It’s unclear how much Phillips would cost considering Manchester City splashed out €49 million just a year ago, but considering his lack of playing time Transfermarkt currently has him valued at €28 million, which would be a steal for the 27-year-old.