Manchester City stars Phil Foden, Jack Grealish send messages as West Ham United complete Kalvin Phillips loan transfer
A number of Manchester City players have sent messages to Kalvin Phillips after his completed loan transfer to West Ham on Friday (26 January).
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 England international leaves the Etihad due to his limited minutes under Pep Guardiola this season and there is no option for West Ham to sign him permanently in the summer.
The Irons will pay a loan fee and cover Phillips’ full 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!”
Responding to the post, Etihad teammate Phil Foden said: “All the best mate.” And Jack Grealish also congratulated the midfielder on his move: “What a boy! Gonna miss you. Good luck brother
Kyle Walker, Nathan Ake and Josh Wilson-Ebrand also sent messages to Phillips as he departed the Etihad.
Coup
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 given his limited minutes at the Etihad Stadium.
When he moved to the Premier League champions, it was always going to be hard to establish himself there with the world’s best defensive midfielder Rodri dominating the same position Phillips enjoys.
There’s a case to argue that Phillips should have joined someone like West Ham when he left Leeds United back in 2022. David Moyes was a strong admirer then and that admiration has remained hence this new move.
Phillips can now get his career back on track in East London and once and for all prove that he has what it takes to reach the levels he expected when he departed Elland Road.
Let’s hope the Englishman fulfils all he wishes to this season and this move is not only great for West Ham but brilliant for England ahead of the Euro 2024 in June. Southgate will finally have a player playing every week to choose from should the new Hammers signing fulfil his ambitions.
In other West Ham news, the Irons have granted permission for another player exit this month as talks now advanced with one European club.