Kalvin Phillips transfer confirmed as Ipswich complete another huge coup

Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town have confirmed the signing of Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City on loan.

Kieran McKenna’s side have splashed the cash this summer with the aim of avoiding relegation back to the Championship. The Tractor Boys have enjoyed back-to-back promotions in the last two seasons, and they have now managed to bolster their ranks with experience and quality.

Phillips has joined the club on a season-long loan from City, with Ipswich managing to fend off interest from rivals to secure the signature of the midfielder.

Everton and Fulham were both linked with the 28-year-old in recent weeks, with Serie A outfits also said to have held a long-standing interest in securing his signature.

Ipswich will be hoping that a campaign at Portman Road will help Phillips get his career back on track after a torrid two seasons with City. The midfielder has struggled since his £45million move to the Etihad Stadium from Leeds United.

Phillips has never appeared truly settled in Pep Guardiola’s system and came to loggerheads with his manager after being publicly scolded for returning for pre-season training overweight following the Qatar World Cup.

City were open to selling Phillips last summer but the playmaker insisted that he wanted to prove he was capable of being considered an option in midfield behind Rodri. However, he was never offered the opportunity to do so and was sent on a short-term loan to West Ham, where he struggled as well.

Ipswich will hope that the positive and optimistic environment at the club could see Phillips bounce back to form and aid their survival bid. McKenna has already welcomed several signings to his squad already this summer.

Ex-loanee Omari Hutchinson has joined the Tractor Boys permanently from Chelsea after a sensational spell at the club last season. Jacob Greaves, Arijanet Muric and Conor Townsend have also been poached from the Championship. Liam Delay has joined the club from City as well in a deal worth £15m, plus a further £5m in add-ons.

Ipswich have also announced the signing of Sam Szmodics from Blackburn Rovers in a deal reportedly worth £9m. The 28-year-old scored 27 goals in 44 Championship appearances last season and is expected to add further energy and quality to McKenna’s attacking ranks.