Barcelona consider signing of Manchester City midfielder difficult, but not impossible – report

Manchester City outcast Kalvin Phillips is being targeted by Barcelona and if a report from Mundo Deportivo is to be believed, sporting director Deco wants to sign him this month and although it is rather difficult, a loan might work only if he agrees to lower his salary.

Barcelona are aware of the fact that Vitor Roque is quite possibly the only piece of business they could pull off this winter. However, there is optimism within the team that if there is a slight crack, Phillips could be incorporated.

Now, within the sporting department, they find it hard for this deal to materialize, but they are not saying it’s impossible yet.

Factors working in Barcelona’s favour

There are a few reasons that work in Barcelona’s favour when it comes to Phillips. The player wants to leave Manchester City because he’s not playing much this season. In fact, most of his appearances so far have come as a substitute. 

Kalvin Phillips is wanted by Barcelona. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

Furthermore, even his manager, Pep Guardiola, has allowed him to leave in January so that he can get more playing time and aim to play in the European Championship this summer.

How can Barcelona pull this off?

It is said that Phillips wants to join Barcelona but his main priority is to get more playing time, which he’s not getting at Manchester City. Barcelona need a player like him because they lack options in the midfield and Phillip’s skills match what they are looking for.

The situation, however, is complicated. The midfielder might have to accept a lower salary, and Barcelona need a good deal from Manchester City because of the financial crunch. As reported before, City are demanding an €8 million loan fee for the midfielder.

Meanwhile, it is to be noted that apart from Barcelona, many other teams like Juventus, Newcastle United and even West Ham United are interested in his acquisition.

As for the player, he wants a deal to happen quickly but at Barcelona, they are waiting for other avenues to go through to free up some money.