Blackpool have signed Wycombe Wanderers starlet Matt Phillips for an initial fee of £325,000 which could double if the Club stay in the Premier League.
The 19 year old wide-man completed his Apprenticeship with the Chairboys in the summer of 2009 and has also impressed for England at Youth Level, most recently for the U19’s in this summer’s European Championships.
With Pool boss Ian Holloway looking to bolster his squad ahead of the transfer deadline, the signing of a young English player with good league experience fits with the Club’s other transfers this summer.
“Matty has been on our radar for some time,” said Holloway. “He did well in the European Under 19 tournament for England in the summer and has played almost 80 league games for Wycombe – which at 19 is a real achievement.”
“I can’t wait for him to get involved in our system and to work with him on the training ground.”
Wycombe boss Gary Waddock was sad to see Phillips go but admitted the chance for the player was too good for the Club to reject.
“It’s a great opportunity for Matty to play in the Premier League and we couldn’t stand in his way,” he said.
“He is an outstanding prospect and I’m sorry to lose him but it’s a great move for him and excellent business for the Football Club.”
Club owner Steve Hayes added on wycombewanderers.co.uk: “How could we deny him the chance to further his career by playing for a Premier League Club?”
“We offered him a new, long-term contract several months ago but he was reluctant to commit himself and once Blackpool came in he wanted to go.”
Phillips has made 87 appearances for Wycombe, scoring nine goals, and will now make the move to Lancashire.
