The transfer saga that seems to be creeping up every summer is whether Kalvin Phillips will return to Leeds United.
Phillips has endured difficulty since leaving Elland Road, and the only way he might be able to rectify his career is by returning to Yorkshire.
It’s clear that the midfielder’s £42m move to Manchester hasn’t panned out for him and has left City wanting Phillips gone, especially after unsuccessful loan spells at Ipswich Town and West Ham United.
The possibility of the 28-year-old returning to Leeds has always been there, especially with Daniel Farke’s side ‘in the mix’ to sign Phillips.
Nothing concrete has been built up yet, but a transfer expert truly believes he will end up back where it all began.
Kalvin Phillips ‘will end up’ at Leeds United as Man City explore exit
Fans still speak about the Yorkshire Pirlo to this day, and although there is a divide about what is thought about him, there’s no denying he was vital to Leeds under Marcelo Bielsa.
The unfortunate circumstance happened when City snatched the promising midfielder, and his career has gone massively downhill.
| Phillips’ best season at Leeds (20/21) | Phillips now (Ipswich Town 24/25) | |
| Games played | 29 | 19 |
| Dribble success % | 62.5% | 45.5% |
| Tackles won per 90 | 1.41 | 1.38 |
| Duels won | 155 | 67 |
| Chances created | 35 | 5 |
West Yorkshire is his home, and Phillips still shows his allegiance to Leeds, which could hint at a possible reunion.
Well, this possible reunion could become a reality, according to LeedsUnited.News’ transfer expert, Graeme Bailey, as Man City might have found a resolution to Phillips’ future.
“I’m increasing in belief that Leeds are waiting for Phillips, as well. I’m even hearing Man City might pay him off,” Bailey said.
“It might cost City a lot [three years left on his contract], but I think he will end up at Elland Road.”
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Phillips should not sign for Leeds this summer
Although the midfielder can return with City paying out his contract a real possibility, this summer is not the way forward.
It would be a guessing game as to whether Phillips would find his form again at Elland Road, but game time would be at a minimum under Farke’s new-look regime.
Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff have joined, meaning that Phillips’ arrival could see him slip to sixth choice, and would put shame on what was a successful first chapter with his boyhood club.
A loan deal for Phillips has been targeted, but even that wouldn’t be worth the club’s or the player’s while this summer.
Leeds could potentially welcome Phillips back with open arms further down the line, but this transfer window is not the one to make it happen.
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