Softfootball understands that Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips is set to complete a loan move to Sheffield United until the end of the 2025–26 season, with both clubs now fully aligned on the agreement. The deal was officially confirmed today by sports expert Fabrizio Romano via his official X account.
He posted:
Kalvin Phillips to Sheffield United, here we go! Loan deal until the end of the season from Man City. No buy option clause included, club to club deal agreed right now. All set for formal steps.
The temporary switch does not include a buy option, underlining Manchester City’s intention to keep hold of the England international beyond the current campaign.
According to reports, Manchester City, who recently played a 2-2 draw against Tottenham, will continue to cover the majority of Phillips’ reported £150,000-per-week salary during the loan period. It’s a clear sign of City’s willingness to absorb short-term costs in order to give the midfielder a clear route back into form and confidence.
Phillips joined Manchester City from Leeds United in 2022 for around £42.5 million but has struggled to establish himself under Pep Guardiola. In total, he has made just 32 appearances for the club, with only four starts. Injuries, lack of rhythm, and fierce midfield competition all played a part.
This season, his only outing was a brief seven-minute cameo in Manchester City’s 2-0 Carabao Cup win against Huddersfield.
Guardiola’s earlier public criticism of Phillips’ fitness after the 2022 World Cup didn’t help matters either, and the relationship never quite recovered. Recent loan spells at West Ham United and Ipswich Town offered minutes but little momentum, as Ipswich ultimately suffered relegation from the Championship.
Now, Sheffield United offers something different. Familiar surroundings, proper pressure, and a demanding championship grind. For Phillips, a Yorkshire lad at heart, it’s a chance to steady things again, get sharp, and maybe remind people what he actually brings when fit and trusted.
