Leeds United’s centre-back options are quite well-stocked after the summer transfer window. But could Kalvin Phillips potentially become another for Daniel Farke?
Leeds United desperately needed new centre-backs during the summer transfer window, and Daniel Farke eventually signed two new ones in Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw.
Though so far, it’s been last season’s centre pairing of Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk who’ve manned the defence so far, and successfully so with two clean sheets in their opening five games.
After Leeds United beat Wolves 3-1 in their last Premier League game, Farke finds his side sitting pretty in 12th place of the table, ahead of a game against Bournemouth at Elland Road this weekend.
Kalvin Phillips could return to Leeds United in unfamiliar role
Whilst predominantly a midfielder, Kalvin Phillips could yet find himself playing deeper on the pitch, at least according to our chief transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey. Phillips has long been linked with a return to Elland Road, with recent reports suggesting that Leeds United are still interested in re-signing Phillips.
But against all expectations, Phillips is set to be given a second chance at Man City. Pep Guardiola is bringing him back into the fold and so where, or even if he leaves the Etihad any time soon, remains to be seen.
Speaking to Leeds United News, though, Bailey explained how he still expects Phillips to come back to Leeds United one day, also revealing how he thinks the 29-year-old could eventually end up playing in defence.
Bailey said: “I still think he’ll end up back at Elland Road at some point and and it’ll suit all parties when he does. I think Phillips has a future at centre-back. Leeds will put their arm around him. He hasn’t put much tire on the tread recently. Leeds need to take him back and I think they will, but will that be January?”
Kalvin Phillips could take Ethan Ampadu’s role at Leeds United
For the time being, Farke’s centre-back options are solid. So too are his options in the centre of midfield. But come next summer, there might be one or two players moving on, especially if they can impress, too.
Farke may be fearful of the likes of Ao Tanaka attracting interest or maybe even Struijk. During the summer, Struijk was linked with a move away from Leeds United and not for the first time.
Phillips potentially returning and playing a sort of Ethan Ampadu role in the side, floating between defence and midfielder whenever needed, may not be beyond the realms of possibility.
But it remains a potentially expensive signing for the 49ers. And Ampadu may not like that idea given that it’s his role, and that he’s already having to fight for a spot in his favoured midfield following the arrivals of Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff.
Phillips remains on sky high wages at Man City and his contract runs until 2028. For Leeds, it might still be a dream reunion, but the timing still isn’t quite right.
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