Eddie Gray drops verdict on Kalvin Phillips returning to Leeds United in the Premier League

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With Leeds United returning to the Premier League, some intriguing transfer rumours will emerge.

Kalvin Phillips seems to be the name on fans’ lips as an extraordinary return to Leeds has been mooted.

The 29-year-old has seen his career take an unfortunate turn, as after his stellar performances for England in EURO 2020, he is now struggling to get a game for Ipswich Town.

The 49ers could move for Phillips, but his current form will have to come under consideration, as Leeds might find better options.

Someone who has debated his homecoming is Whites legend Eddie Gray who has weighed in on a return this summer.

Eddie Gray’s honest verdict on Kalvin Phillips returning to Leeds United

It was a brilliant couple of days for Gray, who saw his great-nephew Harry Gray make his Leeds debut.

An emotional Eddie was crying when Harry debuted for Leeds, in what is another fantastic landmark for the family.

The Elland Road icon will be thrilled and can now look forward to a potentially exciting future for the 16-year-old.

However, what he might not see as exciting is Phillips’ possibly returning to Yorkshire, as he’s not been shy with his verdict on the midfielder.

The 29-year-old is still a fond supporter of the club, as Phillips congratulated Leeds on their promotion, but speaking to the Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, Gray has outlined reasons why a move shouldn’t be made.

“I mean, Kalvin did well, but as soon as he went to City, he was never going to get a game,” Gray said.

“I’d like to know what (Pep) Guardiola thought when he first saw Phillips.

“I’m not being critical of Kalvin, but did you ever see him shoot at Leeds?

“I think Kalvin was a good player for Marcelo (Bielsa), but to be a midfield player you’ve gotta be able to do everything.”

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How Phillips fared in his final season at Leeds

With this considered, it’s no doubt harsh from Gray, but in recent years, it can’t be denied.

Phillips struggled to live up to his £42.5m price tag at City, and if Guardiola couldn’t get the best out of him, it could spell trouble for this signing.

Not only should his form be taken into account, but Phillips’ excessive wage is an obstacle for Leeds, and although the 49ers want to spend big, this comes with risk.

Phillips’ attacking numbers weren’t great in his last campaign for the club, but maybe a move to Leeds could help him regain the area he’s missing at the moment.

Of course, Bielsa’s Leeds is different from Daniel Farke’s, but he would need to improve with Farke’s side producing brilliant goal-scoring numbers.

There’s no denying that on his day, Phillips is brilliant defensively, but Gray makes a strong argument about his lack of attacking intent.