Leeds United are reportedly weighing up a summer move for former midfielder Kalvin Phillips as the England international has struggled to find his feet at West Ham United, according to reports.
Phillips left Elland Road at the end of the 2021/22 season, having established himself as arguably the Whites’ most important player and a regular starter in Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad. Leeds received £43 million from Manchester City for Phillips’ services.
A treble-winning debut season at the Etihad Stadium under one of the most decorated coaches of all time seemed like a dream move on paper, but one which quickly became a nightmare. Throughout the course of Man City’s historic campaign, Phillips played less than 600 minutes in all competitions.
This term, after completely falling out of favour under Pep Guardiola, Phillips was sent out on loan to West Ham. However, his time at the London Stadium hasn’t quite gone to plan either, meaning it’s unlikely that the Hammers look to permanently sign the midfielder in the summer, leaving his future up in the air.
Was this clever play from Gordon? or a 'lack of game time' error from Kalvin Phillips? 💭 pic.twitter.com/PhqpazSLY8
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 1, 2024
Nevertheless, Leeds United are set to offer Phillips a career lifeline. According to a report from FootballTransfers, the Yorkshire outfit are hoping to bring him back to the club in the summer but face stiff competition for his signature from Premier League side Fulham.
The outlet are also claiming that a deal between Leeds and Manchester City would depend on whether the former manages to earn promotion back to the top-flight this term as Phillips currently has a market value of £24 million, as per Transfermarkt, which is a lot of money for a Championship team to pay.
Writer’s View
Phillips left Leeds United a few seasons ago and never fully reached the level of performances that the world saw during his time in Yorkshire. However, at 28, a return to Elland Road could be just what the doctor ordered to get his career back on track.
Daniel Farke’s side will undoubtedly have the upper hand in the race for his signature as Leeds was his old club. However, it all depends on whether they manage to return to the Premier League as Phillips won’t want to drop down a division.
Deputy Head of Writing
