Kalvin Phillips has returned to pre-season early forManchester Cityin an attempt to improve on an underwhelming first campaign at the Etihad Stadium.
The former Leeds United midfielder made just four starts during his maiden campaign atManchester Citylast season, as the England international struggled with fitness and ιɴjυɾу issues after completing a £42 million transfer.
Phillips was part of theCitysquad which won the treble, with the Sky Blues winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League during an historic campaign.
The 27-year-old featured in 21 matches forManchester Cityduring the season, however started just two Premier League games, with Phillips’ full debut in the league not coming until a win over Chelsea in May.
Phillips made his debut from the bench against West Ham in August, however a shoulder ιɴjυɾу sustained against Barcelona during a friєɴԀly left the Englishman sidelined for nearly two months of the campaign.
The England international did go to the FIFA World Cup with Gareth Southgate’s squad during the winter, despite featuring in only four games forManchester City.
After an underwhelming season, Phillips has been linked with a potential move away from the Etihad Stadium, withCity Xtra revealingthat over 15 European clubs had enquired about signing the 27-year-old this summer.
A host of Premier League clubs and even Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich are all claimed to have been interested in signing the midfielder, however Phillips intєɴԀs to remain atManchester Cityand fight for a place in the team.
Ahead of the new campaign, theDaily Mail have ɾєⱱєɑłєԀthat Phillips returned to theCityFootball Academy for pre-season early, prior to the Blues’ upcoming tour of east Asia.
TheManchester Cityfirst-team squad were due to return on Monday 17th July, however Phillips returned earlier than his teammates, bidding to make up for lost time.
City travel to Japan on Wednesday ahead of two matches at the National Stadium against Yokohama F. Marinos and Bayern Munich.
Pep Guardiola’s squad conclude their tour in South Korea, facing Atletico Madrid in Seoul, prior to the FA Community Shield clash against Arsenal next month.
