The potential addition of Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips to West Ham United’s roster could prompt the club to cut back on its squad in order to free up funds.
Phillips has struggled to secure a spot in Manchester City’s starting lineup since joining the team for £42 million in 2022. In order to remain competitive for selection for England’s Euro 2024 squad, the 28-year-old midfielder is seeking more regular playing time, which could entail a hefty price tag. Manchester City has reportedly requested a loan fee of up to £7 million for the remainder of the season, in addition to West Ham covering Phillips’ weekly wage of £140,000 if they agree to a loan deal.
This potential financial commitment by West Ham could affect their ability to retain right-back Ben Johnson, who is currently in contract negotiations with the club. However, Johnson’s limited involvement in the Premier League this season, coupled with his impending free-agent status, could make him a prime candidate for departure in light of Phillips’ potential arrival.
Despite West Ham’s reported interest in making Phillips’ loan move permanent, the substantial financial implications are likely to prompt the club to explore budgetary adjustments that involve offloading squad players like Johnson. Leeds United have expressed interest in Johnson and may capitalize on the opportunity to secure the talented full-back, whether through a loan deal or as a free agent when his contract expires.
The impending financial pressures on West Ham could potentially shift their stance on Johnson’s contract terms, enabling Leeds to secure a valuable player for a lower cost than initially anticipated.
Ultimately, as West Ham works to navigate the financial impact of their pursuit of Phillips, their approach to retaining or offloading players like Johnson may be influenced by the need to manage the budget effectively. Given the time-sensitive nature of negotiations, Leeds should strategically leverage the situation to secure a player they value highly while remaining mindful of West Ham’s budget constraints.
