Ipswich Town have announced the signing of Kalvin Phillips on a season-long loan from Premier League champions Manchester City.
The 28-year-old midfielder, who spent the latter half of last season on loan at West Ham United, will join Kieran McKenna’s squad immediately and could be available for the 2024/25 season opener against Liverpool on Saturday.
Kalvin, who will wear the number eight shirt during his time at Town, developed through the ranks at Leeds United, making 234 appearances and winning the Championship title in 2020.
Following Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League, Kalvin remained a key player and helped the team secure a top-half finish in their debut season in the top flight.
His impressive performances caught the attention of Gareth Southgate, who called him up to the England squad in 2020.
Kalvin earned his first cap in September of that year against Denmark in the Nations League.
He has since earned a total of 31 caps for England, including playing every match during UEFA Euro 2020 as the team reached their first major tournament final since 1966.
Kalvin joined Manchester City in 2022 and has made 31 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side to date.
Commenting on his move to Town, Kalvin said: “This is a day I’ve been waiting a number of weeks for now and I’m very happy to be here.
“I’ve had some great conversations with players I know here and also with the Manager, who I have obviously heard a lot about, and I’m excited to be here and be part of his team, playing how he likes to play the game.
“The conversations with Kieran McKenna and Mark Ashton have been really good and I followed Ipswich’s season closely last year, so I know the journey the Club has been on and it’s a great story which I’m now excited to be a part of.
“I want to play as many games as possible, enjoy playing football again and help the team win as many games as possible in the Premier League.”
Town Manager Kieran McKenna added: “We are very happy to have Kalvin here and he is a fantastic signing for the football club.
“He is of course a high-calibre, experienced midfielder who has played at the highest levels of the game, in both club and international football.
“He’s had a fantastic career up until this point and we believe he is going to be a big addition to the group.
“Kalvin has much to offer us in terms of his qualities both on and off the ball, and he is a really humble and likeable character.
“He has been a key member of a newly-promoted team in the Premier League before and of course made a big impression for Leeds United during that period.
“Like all players who come here we want to try and help them improve, whether that’s a younger player or one with more experience.
“That’s a big part of our culture and we’re sure Kalvin can make some big steps with us to help him and the Club have a really positive season.”
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