Leeds United are set to offer former midfielder Kalvin Phillips the chance to rejoin his boyhood club this summer, according to GIVEMESPORT.
The 28-year-old departed Elland Road in 2022, joining champions Manchester City for a fee of around £45 million. However, his time at the Etihad Stadium has been nothing short of a disaster.
The midfielder made just 16 Premier League appearances for Pep Guardiola’s team, mainly as a substitute, before joining West Ham United on loan until the end of the season in January. His fortunes haven’t improved much in the capital, and he has been widely criticised for this performances for the Hammers to date.
His poor form has seen him lose his place in the England squad for the upcoming internationals against Brazil and Belgium. Speaking earlier this week, manager Gareth Southgate commented on the situation, saying:
“At the moment, I couldn’t be confident on the performances Kalvin’s had in the last few weeks that he could go onto the field and do the job we know that he’s capable of.
“So, there’s absolutely no reason why he can’t find that form. Nothing would give us more pleasure than having a Kalvin that’s back in the rhythm of playing and back to full confidence.
“We will be a better team, squad, whatever that might be, if that’s the case, so we’re hoping he can find that.
“Maybe a moment like this where you think, well, that’s perhaps the lowest it can get for him in terms of the last few months, now he can just go for it and be himself.”
Phillips’ place is under threat for the upcoming European Championships, although he could be offered a lifeline from his former club. It is claimed that Leeds are willing to explore an option to bring him back to Yorkshire.
The 28-year-old made 234 appearances for the Whites in his first spell with the club and could make a return if Daniel Farke’s team make an instant return to the top tier. They currently sit third in the Championship, although a win by two or more goals against Millwall this afternoon would see them move to the top of the table.
Writer’s View
Kalvin Phillips has been linked with a return to Leeds since he left the club in 2022, although it now appears to be a very real possibility. The Whites look good value to return to the Premier League next season, although they will be wary of the form of Ipswich Town in the challenge for automatic promotion.
It was reported last year that Manchester City will demand a fee north of what they paid for him, somewhere around the £50 million mark. Under contract until 2028, it is unlikely they will receive anywhere near that amount from the Yorkshire club, meaning a season-long loan looks to be the most likely outcome.
Head of Writing
