Alan Brazil and Ray Parlour react as West Ham United close on Kalvin Phillips signing confirmed ‘Crazy Money’
Alan Brazil believes the £140,000-a-week wages involved in the deal to take Kalvin Phillips to West Ham from Manchester City is “crazy money”.
Speaking on talkSPORT on Friday (26 January, 06:52am), the host said the England international has “got to play” for the Hammers as he looks to earn a place in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the upcoming European Championships.
Parlour added that the 28-year-old could have a “massive impact” in the Irons’ midfield as the club are in a “great position” after confirming the loan signing on their website on Friday.
“Kalvin Phillips needs to play football,” said Parlour. “It was said about a week ago he’d be going to West Ham, but they need more bodies in there. They’ve got so many fixtures coming up West Ham with the Europa League as well. That will be a great bit of business and it’s a good move for Kalvin Phillips.”
“We hear about £140,000-a-week and West Ham will pay that,” added Brazil. “I know it’s crazy money, but you’ve got to play as well. The Euros coming up, he won’t want to sit on the beach and watch it, he’ll want to be part of it as well, won’t he?”
“Absolutely,” replied Parlour. “He could go there and make a massive impact in that midfield area for West Ham because they’re in a great position as well.”
Opportunity
The biggest incentive for Phillips will undoubtedly be to play as much football as possible so he can nail down a place in the England squad for the European Championships.
Although there will be competition for places in the midfield, West Ham certainly aren’t looking to bring him in to warm the bench in East London.
It will mean one of the regular starters could see their minutes reduced, but with the Hammers still in the Europa League, there will still be plenty of opportunities for everyone.
Phillips will look to add something a little different as he can break up play and look to move the ball forward quickly, allowing our attacking options to make things happen.
It will be interesting to see what role part he plays against Bournemouth on 1 February when he looks to make his debut for the club at the London Stadium.
In other West Ham news, Alan Brazil has gone berserk live on air over a Hammers controversy.
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