Everton are reportedly preparing an ambitious move to sign Manchester City’s England international midfielder Kalvin Phillips in the upcoming January 2026 transfer window. According to multiple English media outlets, the Merseyside club are keen to bring Phillips on loan, as his high salary and long-term contract make a permanent deal difficult at this stage.
Phillips, who joined Manchester City from Leeds United in 2022 for around £45 million, has endured a frustrating spell at the Etihad Stadium. Despite his proven quality and experience on the international stage, he has been unable to displace Rodri as City’s first-choice defensive midfielder. Limited appearances under Pep Guardiola have raised questions about his future at the club, with several Premier League sides monitoring his situation closely.
Everton, led by manager Sean Dyche, are now emerging as serious contenders for his signature. Dyche is reportedly an admirer of Phillips’ work rate, tactical intelligence, and defensive awareness — attributes that perfectly fit the Toffees’ style of play. Everton’s midfield has lacked depth and consistency this season, making the addition of a player like Phillips a potentially crucial upgrade.
Financially, a loan move appears to be the most realistic scenario. Phillips currently earns around £150,000 per week, and with his contract running until 2028, Everton would find it difficult to fund a full transfer outright. However, discussions could involve City agreeing to cover a portion of his wages during the loan spell, allowing the move to go through smoothly.
Sources close to the club indicate that Everton’s board fully supports Dyche’s plans to reinforce the squad, especially after a string of inconsistent performances in the Premier League. The potential arrival of Phillips could add stability to the midfield, providing leadership and experience that the team has been lacking.
For Phillips, the move represents an opportunity to revive his career and gain valuable playing time ahead of UEFA Euro 2026, where he hopes to secure a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad. Consistent performances at Everton could help him re-establish himself as one of the top English midfielders in the league.
As the January window approaches, negotiations between Everton and Manchester City are expected to intensify. Both clubs are reportedly open to finding a mutually beneficial arrangement, and fans will be eager to see whether Phillips makes the switch to Goodison Park in the coming weeks.
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