West Ham United: Florian Plettenberg provides permanent Kalvin Phillips transfer update
West Ham United don’t plan on making Kalvin Phillips’ loan switch from Manchester City permanent this summer, according to Florian Plettenberg.
The Sky Sports journalist reported via X on Sunday (21 April) that the England international is expected to return to the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season, as his temporary switch doesn’t include an option to buy.
Philips has struggled to make an impact in East London and has been widely criticised by pundits and supporters alike. The Hammers had hoped to get more out of the loan move, but his poor displays mean they won’t renew their previous interest.
Writing on X he said: “Kalvin Phillips is set to return to Man City after this season! And for West Ham, there’s no option to buy included in the loan deal!
“West Ham had hoped for more from the loan. The plan didn’t work out. West Ham also doesn’t plan to buy the 28 y/o midfielder. Contract at Man City valid until 2028.”
Will West Ham United sign Kalving Phillips permanently from Manchester City in the summer transfer window?
Phillips’ stay at the London Stadium has been incredibly memorable for all the wrong reasons. The England international has been sent off, and given away goals and penalties all within the space of a handful of games.
When this deal was originally mooted in the January transfer window it felt like the permanent solution for all parties. Phillips would finally play regular first-team football, while the Hammers would add some depth to their midfield.
For whatever reason, it hasn’t panned out as most expected and now most fans would be happy to see the back of the Manchester City loanee. Even at a potentially cut price, it feels unlikely West Ham would even consider a permanent switch.
Hopefully, Phillips will be able to get his career back on track somewhere else next season. There is almost certainly a player in there somewhere, but for whatever reason, that hasn’t been visible in a claret and blue shirt.
In other West Ham news, Michail Antonio is facing a UEFA ban following an incident after the Hammers’ clash with Bayer Leverkusen
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