Kalvin Phillips seals ‘dream’ Manchester City move from Leeds for initial £42m

Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Kalvin Phillips from Leeds. The England midfielder has joined for £42m plus add-ons on a six-year contract.

Philipps, who has spent his whole career at Leeds, is effectively the replacement for Fernandinho, who has left after nine years and returned to his native Brazil, signing for Athletico Paranaense.

Phillips is City’s third summer signing, after the forward Erling Haaland and the goalkeeper Stefan Ortega. The manager, Pep Guardiola, also hopes to bring in the left-back Marc Cucurella from Brighton. The 22-year-old forward Julián Álvarez has also joined the squad after signing in January but staying at River Plate on loan.

Phillips described the move as a “dream come true” and told City’s website: “To be able to play under Pep and learn from him and his coaching staff as well as be part of such a fantastic squad is a prospect that I am incredibly excited about.”

The 26-year-old, who will wear the No 4 shirt, wrote in a social media post that it had been privilege to play for Leeds and, addressing the fans, said: “I hope you guys understand my decision and will accept that I only want to chase my dreams and test myself against and with the best teams and best players on the planet. As a young kid I had so many dreams and still do... but playing for you was the one I will never forget. You are the best fans in the world.”

The 18-year-old midfielder Darko Gyabi has joined Leeds from City on a four-year deal. On Monday Arsenal completed the signing of the forward Gabriel Jesus from City for £45m.