Jude Bellingham sends message as West Ham United announce Kalvin Phillips transfer at London Stadium
Jude Bellingham has sent a three-word social media message to Kalvin Phillips after his confirmed West Ham transfer on Friday.
The Hammers confirmed the signing (26 January) of the Manchester City midfielder on a temporary loan deal until the end of the season.
The 28-year-old leaves the Etihad temporarily due to his limited minutes under Pep Guardiola this season and there is believed to be no option for West Ham to sign him permanently in the summer.
The Irons will pay a loan fee and cover Phillips’ salary for the duration of his time at the London Stadium.
Taking to his Instagram account on Friday (26 January), Phillips sent a message to the Irons fans after his confirmed transfer.
He wrote: “Delighted to sign for West Ham for the remainder of the season. Can’t wait to get started!”
Phillips’ England teammate and Real Madrid superstar Bellingham shared his response writing: “Let’s go, brother.”
Statement
This deal is a major coup for West Ham United given Phillips’ quality and experience both at club and international level, and a transfer that certainly makes a statement to the rest of the Premier League.
A loan deal for the Englishman makes perfect sense for all parties involved but it remains to be seen whether he will play again for Manchester City which means he will leave permanently before next season begins.
Whether that’s at West Ham remains to be seen and should Phillips go on to enjoy his loan spell at the London Stadium for the remainder of the season though, it won’t be plain sailing in sealing a permanent move.
Phillips’ £165k-a-week wages are astronomical and are figures that the Hammers simply cannot reach given the FFP situation and salary cap at clubs outside the top six.
Right now, the Englishman needs to be playing football and the chance to prove himself at the highest level and more crucially prove to England manager Gareth Southgate that he still remains a crucial midfield figure ahead of Euro 2024 in June.
Phillips’ move to London Stadium immediately strengthens the Hammers midfield which suggests they can certainly cause a stir in the Europa League and Premier League.
The pull the Hammers have shown to persuade Phillips to join is mightily impressive when there were clubs like Juventus in the frame to sign him. Statement acquisition again from David Moyes and Tim Steidten.
In other West Ham news, Sky Sports pundit wowed by ‘cheap’ permanent agreement after what Dharmesh Sheth said.
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