West Ham loan move rules Kalvin Phillips out of defining Premier League clash

Kalvin Phillips could miss a crucial Premier League clash as a result of moving to West Ham for the remainder of the campaign.

The 28-year-old has completed a loan move to the London Stadium, signing for David Moyes’ side until the end of the current season.

Phillips leaves Manchester City having made just two starts so far this season and at risk of missing out on a place at this summer’s European Championship in Germany, as Gareth Southgate faces a major squad dilemma.

The England midfielder has featured 31 times since moving from Elland Road to the Etihad Stadium for £42 million in July 2022, but has made only six starts over the course of the past 18 months.

Phillips was part of Pep Guardiola’s treble-winning squad last season, and has won five trophies during his short period at Manchester City.

The midfielder has completed a move to West Ham upon returning to the United Kingdom from a warm-weather training camp in Abu Dhabi, with the Hammers beating a number of Premier League clubs to Phillips’ signature.

Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Juventus and Atletico Madrid were all linked with signing the 28-year-old this month, meanwhile a host of clubs from across Europe looked to sign Phillips last summer.

Phillips’ move to the London Stadium will rule him out of a potentially defining Premier League clash however, with West Ham due to visit the Etihad Stadium on the final day of the campaign on Sunday 19th May.

Premier League rules will prevent the midfielder from playing against City, with Guardiola’s side bidding to win a record-breaking fourth successive title this season.

Manchester City are currently five points behind league leaders Liverpool but have played one game less than the Merseyside club.

The Sky Blues return to Premier League action against Burnley on Wednesday 31st January, where both Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland could feature.