Everton eye Grealish-style rescue for forgotten England star frozen out for TWO YEARS

Robin Bairner

10 Oct 2025 16:46 BST
3 min read

Everton are ready to bring an England star out of the cold after more than two years with his club without making an appearance.

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David Moyes’ side studied the possibility of signing Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City in the summer of 2024 and are poised to resurrect their interest in the 29-year-old, according to Football Insider.

Once regarded as one of the top central midfielders in England, the former Leeds United star has seen his career nosedive following a €49 million move to City in the summer of 2022.

Current ETV

Kalvin Phillips

DM, M (C)

Man City

Kalvin Phillips

DM, M (C)

Man City

ETV Range

€12.8M - €15.6M

He has since managed just 32 appearances across all competitions for Pep Guardiola’s side and has not featured for Manchester City in the Premier League since appearing as a substitute in a 6-1 win over Bournemouth in November 2023.

Everton are ready to take Phillips, who has had loan spells at West Ham and Ipswich, out of limbo with a January move and have an “active interest” in the player, the report states.

Moyes’ side will be of interest to the Leeds-born star, who will have noted with interest the revival of compatriots Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jack Grealish on Merseyside.

The Toffees believe they could replicate the kind of revival that has seen Grealish flourish after a difficult spell at Man City and push for England honours once again.

© IMAGO - Jack Grealish has been back towards his best at Everton

What went wrong for Phillips at City?

Phillips, who is under contract in Manchester until 2028, always looked an awkward fit for a Guardiola side. His strengths at Leeds were playing long, diagonal passes for wingers to run onto, which was never likely to be required at a City side that typically faces low blocks.

Instead, City’s defensive midfielders are required to be excellent at passing in tight areas and strong at retaining possession when pressed – two qualities that are not in his locker.

Guardiola also questioned the player’s professionalism early in his career at the Etihad, claiming that Phillips had returned from the 2022 World Cup overweight.

“He arrived overweight. I don't know [why]. He didn't arrive in the condition to do training sessions and to play,” the City boss said when asked why Phillips was dropped for a Carabao Cup clash against Liverpool in December 2022.

Pep subsequently apologised for his words, but the midfielder said the comments were “a big knock to my confidence”.

Phillips needs an opening to rebuild both his morale and his career, and it appears that Everton are willing to offer him just that.