England midfielder Kalvin Phillips expressed his desire to contribute the quality he knows he is capable of as he joins West Ham on loan from Manchester City for the remainder of the season.
The 28-year-old’s transfer does not include an option to buy.
Phillips had initially signed a six-year contract with City, making the move from Leeds United in a £45 million deal in July 2022.
“There’s so much to look forward to in the second half of the season. I can’t wait to be part of it,” he said.
“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.”
During his 18-month tenure at City, Phillips faced challenges in securing playing time, featuring in only two starts and a total of 16 Premier League appearances under manager Pep Guardiola. Several clubs, including Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, and Juventus, had also shown interest in him.
The loan acquisition is a welcome addition for West Ham manager David Moyes, who has been keen on bolstering a squad depleted by a series of injuries.
With Lucas Paqueta and Michail Antonio sidelined for an extended period and midfielder Edson Alvarez missing the FA Cup defeat against Bristol City due to a calf problem, the loan signing of Phillips provides much-needed support.
Currently placed sixth in the Premier League, West Ham has also progressed to the Europa League knockout rounds, scheduled to commence in March.
“We are really pleased to bring a player of Kalvin’s quality to West Ham United,” said Moyes.
“We’ve been big admirers of him for a long time and we believe that he will add strength and competition to our squad.
“Kalvin is an England international midfielder, with proven Premier League experience. We’re excited to welcome him into the group and look forward to working with him.”
With 31 caps for England and a continued presence in Gareth Southgate’s squad, Phillips is expected to see this move as a chance to secure consistent playing time and enhance his prospects for participating in the upcoming European Championship in Germany this summer.
Departing from City, Phillips scored a solitary goal in the Champions League against Red Star Belgrade. In the previous season, he contributed to City’s historic Treble, making 21 appearances across all competitions as they clinched the Premier League, FA Cup, and their first Champions League title.