Manchester City could lose one of their players to a Premier League rival during the forthcoming January transfer window.
According to report, Kalvin Phillips could join Wolves in January, with the England international once again attracting Premier League attention despite his continued struggle for regular football at the Etihad Stadium.
The 29-year-old, who has found opportunities limited under Pep Guardiola, could be at the centre of renewed interest as clubs look to strengthen their squads midway through the campaign.
Phillips came close to a permanent exit last summer, but his prospects of securing a move collapsed following an injury late in the 2024–25 season.
Several clubs that had been tracking him opted to withdraw, leaving the midfielder to reassess his options while City reshaped their squad under new director of football Hugo Viana.
It has been a challenging spell for Phillips since arriving from Leeds United in a £45m deal.
His time in Manchester has been marked by a series of setbacks, including unsuccessful loan spells at West Ham and Ipswich Town, and a struggle to establish himself in Guardiola’s highly demanding system.
Though he tried to reignite his career during those temporary moves, neither stint led to a sustainable breakthrough.
Meanwhile, Guardiola has made no secret of where Phillips stands in the pecking order.
The midfielder has been deemed surplus to requirements, and insiders at the club say there appears to be “next to no chance” of him forcing his way back into favour.
His involvement this season has been limited almost entirely to the Carabao Cup, where he has been given brief run-outs to maintain fitness after what many internally describe as a disappointing year at Ipswich.
After three and a half years of struggles in Manchester, there is a growing sense from both player and club that a clean break is needed.
A move away would offer Phillips the chance to revive his career and reassert himself both domestically and internationally.
At present, he has almost no pathway back into the England squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup—a stark contrast to his integral role at the 2021 European Championships.
Wolves considering loan and permanent structures
According to reporting from Football Insider, Kalvin Phillips could join Wolves as the club have placed him firmly on their list of January targets and are willing to examine both loan and permanent deal structures.
The Midlands club are eager to strengthen their midfield options and believe Phillips—despite his recent struggles—still possesses the technical quality and defensive intelligence to make a meaningful contribution at Premier League level.
Wolves have been monitoring the situation quietly for several months, aware that Phillips remains highly regarded within the England setup, even if his lack of playing time has put his international status at risk.
They are expected to initiate exploratory talks in the coming weeks, with the club confident that a change of scenery could benefit both the player and their own ambitions for the latter stages of the season.
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For Phillips, the stakes are high. With the World Cup looming and his place in Thomas Tuchel’s plans fading, the midfielder knows that regular playing time is essential.
His previous prominence for England—particularly during the Euros—remains fresh in memory, but that reputation alone will not be enough to secure a call-up in 2026.
A strong second half of the season would be vital to re-enter the national conversation.
City are not opposed to sanctioning a move. Guardiola and his coaching staff admire Phillips’ professionalism but have long acknowledged that his profile does not fully align with the tactical demands of their midfield.
The club are expected to evaluate incoming offers carefully, balancing the player’s desire for consistent football with potential financial and sporting considerations.
