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Rival fans have mocked Manchester City for signing Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who they feel will be a mere bench warmer for Pep Guardiola's side. They have predicted the former Peacocks player will flop at the Etihad.
The Cityzens announced they had completed the signing of the 26-year-old defensive midfielder on a six-year-contract. The Guardian reports that the Yorkshire club will receive an initial £42 million along with add-ons later.
Phillips, who has played 234 times for his boyhood club, contributing to 27 goals, is a regular starter for Gareth Southgate's England side, turning up 23 times. He will likely be a direct replacement for City legend Fernandinho, who left the club earlier this summer.
However, the holding midfielder may find it difficult to get as much game time as he did at Leeds. Spanish midfielder Rodri currently occupies the spot and is considered one of the world's best in his position.
Phillips only played 23 times last season due to numerous injury problems. The midfielder is now City's second signing of the summer following the arrival of Borussia Dortmund forward Erling Haaland.
Fans of rival teams took to Twitter to dismiss Manchester City's new big money signing. Below are some of the best selection of tweets:
Kalvin Phillips "absolutely delighted" to join Manchester City
The holding midfielder has been given the number 4 shirt at the Etihad Stadium. As seen on Manchester City's official website, he couldn't hide his happiness about the prospect of playing for Pep Guardiola.
Phillips was full of praise for his new boss, as he claimed:
“I am absolutely delighted to have joined Manchester City. City have again proved to the best team in the country with an amazing squad and a manager in Pep Guardiola who is rightly considered to be the finest in the world.
“To be able to play under Pep and learn from him and his coaching staff as well as be part of a such a fantastic squad is a prospect that I am incredibly excited about. City are a world-class Club with world-class staff and facilities and it’s a dream come true to have joined the Club.
“Now I can’t wait to get started and to look to try and help the team to go on and achieve more success.”
Phillips has previously played under Marcelo Bielsa, who Guardiola has often cited as an influence on his managerial career. The 26-year-old started every game for England during last year's European Championship campaign as they reached the final. He will be hopeful of playing in the Qatar World Cup later this year.
