England midfielder Kalvin Phillips has stated that he hopes to “add the quality I know I’m capable of” to West Ham after signing on loan from Manchester City for the remainder of the season.
The 28-year-old’s switch does not have a buy option.
When Phillips moved from Leeds United to City in July 2022 for £45 million, he inked a six-year contract.
“The second part of the season has a tonne of exciting things to look forward to. I’m excited to take part in it,” he remarked.
“There’s an unbelievable group here and if I can come in and add the quality that I know I’m capable of, I’m sure we can give the West Ham fans plenty to be excited about between now and the end of the season.”
In his eighteen months at City, Phillips made just two starts and sixteen Premier League appearances overall as he battled for playing time under boss Pep Guardiola.
He had also drawn interest from several other teams, such as Juventus, Crystal Palace, and Newcastle United.
Hammers manager David Moyes will be encouraged by the loan deal as he has been keen to bolster a team that has been beleaguered by a string of injuries.
Mexico midfielder Edson Alvarez missed the FA Cup loss against Championship team Bristol City due to a calf injury, while Lucas Paqueta and Michail Antonio are both sidelined for an extended amount of time.
West Ham, now ranked sixth in the Premier League, has advanced to the Europa League knockout stages, which begin in March.
“We are really pleased to bring a player of Kalvin’s quality to West Ham United,” Moyes stated.
“We have long been admirers of him and think he would give our team more strength and competition.”
“Kalvin is a seasoned Premier League midfielder who plays for the England national team. We’re thrilled to have him join the team and are eager to collaborate with him.”
With 31 caps for England, Phillips is still a part of Gareth Southgate’s team and will probably see this as a chance to gain regular playing time and increase his chances of making the squad for the European Championship in Germany this summer.
With just one goal, which he scored in the Champions League against Red Star Belgrade, he departs City.
As City completed a historic Treble by winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and their first Champions League title, Phillips made 21 appearances in all competitions in the previous campaign.
