Ipswich Town, freshly promoted to the Premier League, have secured the loan signing of Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips on a season-long deal. The 28-year-old England international, who has struggled to find form since his big-money move to City, is looking to rejuvenate his career at Portman Road.
Phillips’ career trajectory has taken a challenging turn since his departure from Leeds United in 2022, where he had been a pivotal figure. His move to Manchester City for a reported £45 million ($58 million) was met with high expectations, but injuries and competition for places limited his impact. Over the past two seasons, Phillips made only five Premier League starts for City, a stark contrast to his influential role at Leeds.
Last season, Phillips was loaned to West Ham United in the January transfer window, a move that was intended to give him more playing time and a fresh start. However, his stint at West Ham was marred by inconsistent performances and a lack of regular game time, leaving him frustrated and eager for a new opportunity. The chance to join Ipswich Town, a club with a storied history and passionate fanbase, could provide the fresh start Phillips needs to reignite his career.
“This is a day I’ve been waiting a number of weeks for now and I’m very happy to be here,” Phillips said in his first interview as an Ipswich player. “I want to play as many games as possible, enjoy playing football again, and help the team win as many games as possible in the Premier League.”
Phillips’ arrival at Ipswich Town comes at a crucial time for the club. After spending 22 years outside the top flight, Ipswich, under the guidance of manager Kieran McKenna, have achieved back-to-back promotions from League One and the Championship. Their return to the Premier League is a testament to McKenna’s leadership and the team’s resilience, but the challenges of the top flight will require both experience and quality.
McKenna, who has been instrumental in Ipswich’s resurgence, expressed his excitement about Phillips’ arrival. “Kalvin has much to offer us in terms of his qualities both on and off the ball, and he is a really humble and likeable character,” McKenna said. “He has been a key member of a newly-promoted team in the Premier League before and of course made a big impression for Leeds United during that period.”
Phillips’ experience of playing in the Premier League, coupled with his 31 caps for England, will be invaluable to an Ipswich side looking to establish themselves in the top flight. His presence in the midfield will add depth and leadership, and his ability to break up play and distribute the ball will be crucial for Ipswich’s survival hopes.
In addition to Phillips, Ipswich also secured the signing of Blackburn Rovers forward Sammie Szmodics on the same day. Szmodics, who scored 33 goals in all competitions for Blackburn last season, joined Ipswich on a four-year contract for a reported £9 million. The 28-year-old forward is eager to make his mark in the Premier League and fulfill a lifelong dream.
“It’s every boy’s dream to play in the Premier League and I’ve always said to my friends, family, and agents that I’ll get to the top one day,” Szmodics said. “There’s nothing more I want than to score at Portman Road for Ipswich Town.”
The double signing of Phillips and Szmodics highlights Ipswich’s intent to compete in the Premier League. As they prepare for their first top-flight match in over two decades, a home clash against Liverpool, the additions of these two experienced players could prove pivotal in their quest for survival. Fans at Portman Road will be eagerly awaiting the debut of their new signings, hoping they can inspire Ipswich Town to a successful season in the Premier League.
