The Lost Boys
What next for Manchester City's forgotton trio - or could it be a quartet?
By Patric Ridge
As Tijjani Reijnders anchored Manchester City’s midfield against Wydad AC on Wednesday, keeping everything ticking over and looking incredibly comfortable in doing so, it was easy to see why Pep Guardiola’s team had moved for the Netherlands international.
Reijnders has taken the number four shirt, previously occupied by club great Vincent Kompany. But there has been another holder of that jersey number in recent years.
Kalvin Phillips took the number four upon his arrival from Leeds United in 2022.
A year off the back of a brilliant string of performances at the delayed Euro 2020, Phillips had endured an injury-hit 2021-22 campaign, but had returned in time to help keep Leeds up.
But it was time for him to move on, and Leeds cashed in. Along with Raphinha, who has gone on to cement himself as one of the world’s best forwards and a potential Ballon d’Or contender this year, Phillips left Elland Road. While Raphinha headed off to Barcelona, Phillips made the short trip along the M62 to the Etihad Campus.
A £50million acquisition, Phillips was brought in as competition for Rodri. But it swiftly became apparent, through his team selections, that Guardiola seemingly did not see Phillips as anywhere near good enough to take a place in his then all-conquering team.
Phillips nevertheless played a part in City’s treble success in 2022-23, but he made just four starts in all competitions. It was clear, too, in his cameo appearances, that he did just not look up to the level.
That dropped to two starts in 2023-24, until Phillips moved to West Ham — just three starts there. A loan to Ipswich Town last year all but ended any hopes Phillips had of getting back into Guardiola’s thinking, and now, his squad number has been taken.
Phillips is a lost cause for City — the only question is now where he ends up. A return to Leeds, freshly promoted back to the big time, is surely on the cards, and might be just what the 29-year-old needs to revitalise his career.
But then there is the issue of wages. City, like they did with Phillips’ loan to Ipswich, would almost certainly have to cover most, if not all, of the player’s wages.
And Phillips is not the only player City have on their books who is in such a position.
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