Phillips is set to replace experienced Brazilian Fernandinho in the Cityzens’ squad after the 37-year-old decided to leave for his homeland upon the expiry of his contract.

 

The 26-year-old defensive midfielder will compete with established star Rodri for a starting role in Pep Guardiola’s line-up next season.

 

 

Some Leeds fans feel that Manchester City are underpaying, but O’Hara stressed in his view the price is fair and noted that Phillips has not played Champions League football, despite admitting he did shine at Euro 2020.

 

“I think £42m is a fair price. He’s a top player and international, but has he played Champions League football? Has he been in the Premier League for a number of years?” O’Hara said on talkSPORT.

 

 

“I get he’s got that [having played in the final of the Euros] and he is star quality but why does it have to be astronomical prices all the time just because you’ve played a few games for your country?”

 

O’Hara also pointed to Phillips’ injury record, after he missed 14 Premier League games with a hamstring injury during the 2021/22 season, when both he and Leeds failed to really get going.

 

 

“We will see, won’t we, with the player that they [Leeds] bring in [whether his value to Leeds is £42m]”, he added.

 

“I think he’s a really good player, he’s a great signing.

 

“He’s had some injuries, I think that will probably hurt the transfer fee, as well.

 

“They’ll argue over the fact that he had a bad injury and did not really get going properly last season.

 

“So, it’s a good signing, a solid signing.”

 

Phillips made 23 appearances in all competitions for the Whites during the recently concluded season, scoring and assisting once each, as they ensured safety in the Premier League only on the final matchday.