Tottenham retain interest in Kalvin Phillips

[14/04/91]

Wait, he’s 27? Thought he was much younger. That in itself suggests this is bullshit.

Why? Maddison is 27 next month and we signed him. That sort of age is very much most players' prime.

 

[coy-spurs1882]

Have I missed something, is Skipp leaving?

he is a surplus to us

 

[leffe186]

Why? Maddison is 27 next month and we signed him. That sort of age is very much most players' prime.

Because our current top CMs are probably Maddison, Bissouma, Bentancur - 27, 27, 26. Guys possibly on their way out - PEH 28 and GLC 27. Next “gen” Skipp 23 and Sarr 21. It makes sense that we would look for a younger player to join them…and that seems to be exactly what we saw with the pursuit of Gallagher (23).

Not that it precludes us getting in Phillips, just that it doesn’t seem to fit what we’re doing…other than that he’s HG and we need that.

 

[Trix]

Because our current top CMs are probably Maddison, Bissouma, Bentancur - 27, 27, 26. Guys possibly on their way out - PEH 28 and GLC 27. Next “gen” Skipp 23 and Sarr 21. It makes sense that we would look for a younger player to join them…and that seems to be exactly what we saw with the pursuit of Gallagher (23).

Not that it precludes us getting in Phillips, just that it doesn’t seem to fit what we’re doing…other than that he’s HG and we need that.

You are completely missing the point that when he was fully fit and playing every week he was one of the best players in Europe in his position. Plays a different role to Gallagher, and could be available for a knock down fee if he is indeed surplus to requirements at City. I believe a lot would need to fall into place financially to get him in but he's actual competition for places right now and not just an understudy At 27 he still has his best years ahead of him if he is completely over his injury.

 

[leffe186]

You are completely missing the point that when he was fully fit and playing every week he was one of the best players in Europe in his position. Plays a different role to Gallagher, and could be available for a knock down fee if he is indeed surplus to requirements at City. I believe a lot would need to fall into place financially to get him in but he's actual competition for places right now and not just an understudy At 27 he still has his best years ahead of him if he is completely over his injury.

Oh fair enough, you’d know better than most and certainly better than me. I just was surprised that he was already 27 as in my head he was younger and that seemed to be the way we were looking.

I stand corrected.

 

[fishhhandaricecake]

I can't believe how many are saying no because he can't get a a game for City. Obviously the price would need to be right but he was excellent for Leeds and has always done well for England.

Fact is he's a very good player and I'd take him every day of the week and twice on Sunday over Skipp and PEH.

Completely agree, he's a class player.

Pep has very specific demands, just because he can't get a game for City doesn't mean he wouldn't look good for us.

He's miles better than Skipp, PEH etc.

 

[spursfan77]

Terrible source, but a good player. He will be looking for a way out in January one would expect.

The comments Guardiola made about his weight were strange though. Maybe just an excuse not to give him minutes.

 

[Neon_Knight_]

He is at Man City, think he has done OK!

5 starts and 16 substitute appearances (for a team that played 61 games) is hardly what he or anyone else would have considered to be "OK" when his move to Man City was announced. This is a guy who was the star player for a PL team and starting XI for England...now he's not guaranteed to even make the bench for club or country.

 

[Russ1201]

I can't believe how many are saying no because he can't get a a game for City. Obviously the price would need to be right but he was excellent for Leeds and has always done well for England.

Fact is he's a very good player and I'd take him every day of the week and twice on Sunday over Skipp and PEH.

Agree but would he be better tgan Bissouma or Bentancur in that position. Would rather spend what limited money we have in January on a defender & striker.

 

[Japhet]

Agree but would he be better tgan Bissouma or Bentancur in that position. Would rather spend what limited money we have in January on a defender & striker.

Can't argue with that. We have pretty good depth at 6 with Bissouma, Bentancur, Skipp and Sarr at a pinch. If Romero or VdV pick up a knock we're not in great shape.

 

[Neon_Knight_]

Agree but would he be better tgan Bissouma or Bentancur in that position. Would rather spend what limited money we have in January on a defender & striker.

Exactly. Phillips would improve the squad and give us great options for rotation when competing on four fronts, but we have more urgent gaps in depth / quality to address.

CB is where we really lack decent rotation / back-up options, so that has to be the top priority in January. When we don't have 6(?) attacking players out injured simultaneously, Son will be starting most games as our no.9 (Richarlison + Veliz is not bad as back-up) and we have lots of options across the other three attacking positions (Maddison, Kulusevski, Solomon, Richarlison, Johnson, Lo Celso, Sessegnon & Gil).

 

[SonicSarr]

I can't believe how many are saying no because he can't get a a game for City. Obviously the price would need to be right but he was excellent for Leeds and has always done well for England.

Fact is he's a very good player and I'd take him every day of the week and twice on Sunday over Skipp and PEH.

I understand your point. He was England's best player at the start of the Euros. But he has Danny Drinkwater written all over him. Add Ross Berkeley and dare I say a certain Dele Ali. Some just lose it for whatever reason. Up to Ange, not bad for a home grown player if he's still got it.

 

[eViL]

He's there for the Home Grown quota.

Obviously.

 

[TOLBINY]

Given how it has gone for him at City he will want to be sure of game time when he moves on. Cannot see he gets that certainty with us.

 

[whitestreak]

Bump

 

[Johnny J]

If he's fit and in form he's fantastic. That said, City would likely want a ridiculous fee.

 

[CanadaSpurs]

5 starts and 16 substitute appearances (for a team that played 61 games) is hardly what he or anyone else would have considered to be "OK" when his move to Man City was announced. This is a guy who was the star player for a PL team and starting XI for England...now he's not guaranteed to even make the bench for club or country.

Yes, this was a disaster move for him professionally, though I imagine fine for his bank account.

 

[whitestreak]

• What Lies Beneath said:
  
  
  Nusa would be for the future and not related to this signing btw like sarr and destiny that deal if happens will be a buy to loan back for the season he’s got so many suitors . Jota was only linked from ange he wasn’t a major target on the list compiled he may have been later in the window if we failed for targets. The one ange wanted if gettable was the lad in Holland but don’t think the budget was there this month with a cb signing too . If Pierre goes we will get a cm. We like fofana at Monaco and Connor at Chelsea. However Phillips is probably the most achievable right now as of today that could change as always .

  
  
  Would not be surprised if we ended up with Phillips on loan with buy option, as Hojbjerg leaves, is Home grown and has similar qualities to Connor Gallacher..far rather him to Skipp
• In fact a window of Werner Dragusin and Phillips woulld be ok by me, especially if we picked up Nusa along the way
  

 

[Gassin's finest]

I think Phillips is a terrific technical footballer, ideal in the pivot. Absolutely barmy that he went and sat on Peps bench instead of kicking on. He would be a massive upgrade on Hojbjerg and Skipp imo.

 

[Japhet]

I think Phillips is a terrific technical footballer, ideal in the pivot. Absolutely barmy that he went and sat on Peps bench instead of kicking on. He would be a massive upgrade on Hojbjerg and Skipp imo.

I think people have maybe forgotten how dynamic he was in Bielsa's system and are basing their assessments on him not being particularly suited to Gaurdiola's.