Gareth Bale cited in Leeds transfer verdict after big-money update – pundit
Alan Hutton has tipped a “big turnaround” at Leeds United if they sell Kalvin Phillips for a bumper fee this summer.
The former Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, cited Tottenham’s sale of Gareth Bale in 2013 as a “worrying” example of how replacing a big name can go wrong.
According to The Times (20 March), Leeds United have identified “several targets”, including Swansea City midfielder Flynn Downes, as potential replacements for 26-year-old Phillips – who is wanted by Aston Villa.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (21 March) that West Ham are also preparing a fresh approach for Phillips, who is valued by the Whites at between £60-70million.
Hutton claimed Leeds United’s recruitment will play a “massive” part in their future if they part with their star midfielder.
He insisted the Whites need to reinvest any potential fee after a disappointing season.
“I always think recruitment is key,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.
“You’ve got the money coming in if Phillips does leave. However, you can make the comparison to Gareth Bale leaving Tottenham.
“They sold him and got six or seven players in, but none of them really worked out. So that is the massive worry for Leeds United.
“And you’ve got to wonder – will they get all that potential transfer fee to reinvest? I do think they need to, especially with the injury problems they’ve had.
“If they do stay in the league, the recruitment will be massive in the summer because I think it’ll be a big turnaround.”
Phillips, who has been sidelined through injury since December 2021, is under contract at Leeds United until 2024.
The Whites sit 16th in the Premier League – seven points clear of the drop zone.
In other news, Leeds United employee issues huge “£10m” transfer claim after confirmed news.