Fabrizio Romano provides Here We Go on big-name exit from Manchester City first-team squad

Manchester City have finalised an agreement over a season-long loan for midfield option Kalvin Phillips, as confirmed by transfer market insider Fabrizio Romano.

The England international returned into Pep Guardiola’s first-team set-up ahead of the 2024/25 season, completing the club’s four-game tour of the United States and starring in several of the contests at centre-back.

Despite strong praise from manager Pep Guardiola over his abilities to play in a defensive unit as opposed to a deep-lying midfield role, Phillips was subsequently left out of action in the FA Community Shield meeting with Manchester United at Wembley.

City have been keen to identify the next best steps for the 28-year-old to revive his top-level playing career, amid interest from numerous Premier League sides this summer regarding the possibility of taking Phillips on a temporary deal.

Now, having weighed up options including from the likes of Everton and Fulham, Manchester City and the player have finalised a deal with a fellow Premier League club to hand Phillips the opportunities needed to find his old form.

According to the information of transfer market insider Fabrizio Romano, Kalvin Phillips’ transfer to Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town can now be considered as a ‘Here We Go’ agreement.

It is detailed that a deal has now been sealed between Ipswich and the Premier League champions, with the Englishman now set for medical tests, whilst the loan move from the Etihad Stadium does not include a buy option.

Such is the advanced nature of a move and finalised agreement amongst relevant parties that the report also details that Phillips is now ready to sign for Ipswich Town later today, should all go to plan.

Manchester City are continuing to weigh up their options in the defensive midfield ranks, aware of the fact that there is not sufficient coverage for Rodrigo throughout the course of the season in the event of suspension or injury.

The Spanish international has publicly declared his own concerns over his rest and rotation in the squad on previous occasions, but Manchester City recruitment bosses have taken their time in identifying the best solution to the issue.

Bruno Guimaraes remains a player of strong interest to Manchester City, but a transfer fee remains a sticking point in any formal negotiations that are yet to take place. Elsewhere, Guardiola has already experimented with alternative solutions.

Mateo Kovacic and Academy graduate Nico O’Reilly have operated as a duo in three of Manchester City’s five pre-season contests against FC Barcelona, Chelsea, and Manchester United in the Community Shield.