Liverpool scrap Kalvin Phillips transfer deal after Jurgen Klopp changes mind.

Jurgen Klopp wаnted to sign Phillips this summer, but no bid was made. It followed a summer midfield overhaul at Anfield.

After long-term interest from Liverpool, Moises Caicedo joined Chelsea and Romeo Lavia joined Chelsea after the Reds agreed on a £110million deal with Brighton. Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram was also coveted, while Sofyan Amrabat joined Manchester United.

Reds signed Alexis MacAllister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, and Ryan Gravenberch amid Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, James Milner, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s departures.

Phillips has struggled since joining City from Leeds a year ago. He started just four games in all competitions and played only 290 minutes in the Premier League, the equivalent of three full matches.

Phillips has played 77 minutes in four substitute appearances in the Premier League and Champions League this season, although his EFL Cup start against Newcastle was a loss and he has not started since.

Liverpool may sign the former Leeds midfielder in January, although Sky Sports in Germany reports that Bayern Munich has not contacted them. Juventus may also want the City player.

Phillips would provide Liverpool with much-needed defensive midfield backup, as Szoboszlai is аttаck-minded and only Endo, who has yet to play frequently, is defensive. That would explain the interest in the England international, who needs more playing time.

Klopp said shutting down Phillips was key to Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Leeds in September 2021. The German stated at the time: “Our idea was to cut out Phillips, which is important, and to cut out the passes they want to play to find him in the centre and that takes out a bit of their game plan.”