‘Kalvin Phillips set for transfer decision after Leeds stance is revealed’
Leeds United are open to bringing Kalvin Phillips back to the club, but it may not be the best move for the player.
The 31-time England international left Elland Road for Manchester City in 2022, but despite the 10-time English champions spending big on his signature, the move has been a disaster.
Phillips has played just 31 times for Pep Guardiola’s side so far, instead spending time out on loan at West Ham United and Ipswich Town across the last two campaigns.
But injuries and a loss of form have restricted the midfielder to just 32 outings combined over those two loan spells, and now, he looks certain to leave City this summer.
Leeds open to re-signing Kalvin Phillips
Phillips still has three years left to run on his contract at the Etihad Stadium, while he won’t be able to make a move until he’s recovered from an Achilles injury — with his return to fitness expected next month.
Nevertheless, former Premier League scout Mick Brown has exclusively informed Football Insider that Leeds are ‘still keen’ on bringing Phillips back to Elland Road.
“Kalvin Phillips’ situation is still unresolved,” Brown said.
“He’s gone back to City after the loan spell at Ipswich, but there doesn’t seem to be too much interest.
“I’m told Leeds are still keen on that deal, but it has to be right for them.
“He has no place at City, so they’re going to have to move him on rather than keep paying him to sit in the stands every week.
| Man City stats | Kalvin Phillips |
| Appearances | 31 |
| Minutes played | 914 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 0 |
“It’s the type of deal that will probably accelerate later in the window when clubs have done most of their important business and start looking at what else is available.
“The secret is out, he’d like to go back to Leeds, he feels comfortable there and he will have the backing of the fans which can be so important.
“Leeds would like to bring him back too, but they’re addressing more important areas first.
“If we get closer to the deadline, they’ve done their major business and still have funds available, I wouldn’t be surprised if they made a move.
“So for now, just watch this space and we’ll see what happens.”
A romantic Leeds return may not be perfect for Phillips
Football Insider verdict
Although a return to Leeds would be romantic, you have to question whether or not it’s the right move for Phillips.
At 29 years old, the Yorkshire-born star must make his next decision very carefully in order to find somewhere he is a regular starter and valued, or risk derailing the rest of his career.
Phillips’ best days were in a Leeds shirt when he helped them earn promotion in 2020 and then sustain the club back in the Premier League.
But Phillips is not the same dynamic player he was back then.
What’s more, Leeds have already strengthened their midfield significantly this summer with the signings of Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff, alongside existing options like Ao Tanaka, Brenden Aaronson and Ilia Gruev.
Phillips would probably face an uphill battle for minutes even back at Leeds, and so, this romantic return might not seem like the perfect solution it first appears to be.