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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Will Unwin

Kalvin Phillips the ‘perfect’ replacement for Fernandinho, says Pep Guardiola

Kalvin Phillips
Kalvin Phillips’ potential was pointed out to Pep Guardiola by former Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa. Photograph: Matt McNulty/Manchester City FC/Getty Images

Pep Guardiola thinks Kalvin Phillips was the “perfect” choice for Manchester City to replace Fernandinho. The midfielder could make his full debut for City against Newcastle on Sunday after returning from injury.

Marcelo Bielsa tipped off Guardiola that Leeds had a young prodigy who could one day fit the bill at the Etihad. City have kept an eye on the midfielder ever since and spent £42m on the England international when their former club captain Fernandinho decided to return home to Brazil at the end of last season to join Athletico Paranaense.

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