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Kalvin Phillips given fresh hope of Premier League return amid Manchester City doubts
McKenna Comments on Kalvin Phillips’ Future Amid Ipswich Town Relegation
Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna has shared an update on the uncertain future of Kalvin Phillips, the Manchester City midfielder who joined the club on loan and experienced relegation from the Premier League this season.
Phillips arrived at Portman Road on a season-long loan last summer, having previously spent the latter half of the 2023–24 campaign at West Ham.
There was renewed optimism that the England international could reignite his career after a challenging spell at Manchester City.
Signed by City for £45 million from Leeds United in 2022, Phillips struggled to establish himself under Pep Guardiola, despite being part of the squad that won a historic treble in his first year at the Etihad.
Although he showed flashes of form during his time at Ipswich, the season ended in disappointment with the club’s relegation to the Championship.
The 29-year-old still has three years left on his contract with Manchester City, leaving his next move up in the air.
Reflecting on Phillips’ season, McKenna offered a candid assessment, noting the midfielder arrived with limited game time under his belt.
“He came in having not played much in the past couple of seasons. If he had, he probably wouldn’t have been here,” McKenna told the Ipswich Star.
“But he’s been a great presence within the group. He had a steady run early on as he worked his way back to form.”
McKenna highlighted a strong period around Christmas, pointing to the Tottenham match as a standout performance.
“He was excellent in the first 60 minutes of that game—one of the best players on the pitch,” he said.
However, injuries hampered Phillips’ progress. A serious foot laceration required stitches and time off, and though he returned for games against Bournemouth and Wolves, fitness issues persisted.
Most recently, he’s been dealing with an Achilles problem.
“He won’t be available this weekend, and it’s unlikely he’ll play again before the season ends. It’s frustrating for him and for us, because a fully fit and confident Kalvin would’ve been a big asset,” McKenna admitted.
“Still, he’s been a positive influence around the squad, and I’m sure he’ll take some valuable lessons from this season.”
As for a possible return next season, McKenna said no discussions have taken place yet.
“To be honest, we haven’t talked much about that position or next season in general,” he said. “My focus—and the squad’s—has been on the remaining fixtures. Conversations about the future will likely happen after the season ends.”
