Leeds United have launched a sensational move to bring Kalvin Phillips to Elland Road from Manchester City in the January transfer window.
Kalvin Phillips was one of the heroes of the Leeds United team that won promotion from the Championship in the 2019/20 season.
His form at Elland Road earned him a call-up to the England squad and a big-money move to Manchester City in 2022.
However, Phillips has struggled for game time since joining City, prompting persistent speculation that he could return to Leeds.
Now, a report has suggested that Leeds have officially launched a bid to re-sign Phillips in the January transfer window; however, a major stumbling block could prevent the move.
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Leeds United launch bid to re-sign Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City
According to a report in the Daily Mirror, Leeds have officially enquired about the possibility of bringing Phillips back to the club in January.
However, with Phillips earning a reported £250,000 a week at the Etihad, a move to Europe appears more likely, with Leeds likely to demand that City contribute a significant chunk of his salary.
The report states: “Phillips has become disillusioned with how his career has gone backwards, and believes he needs a fresh challenge in Europe. He will turn 30 next week, and knows he should be performing at his peak, instead of being the forgotten man of the top flight.
“Leeds have enquired about re-signing him on loan, but the Yorkshire club want City to make a significant contribution to his £250,000-a-week wages.
“It’s understood a deal is unlikely to happen, leaving Phillips little choice but to consider offers from numerous clubs in France, Spain and Germany.”
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Kalvin Phillips needs a fresh move to resurrect his career
Phillips looked set to take his career to the next level when he moved across the Pennines to Manchester City in 2022, as Leeds suffered relegation from the Premier League the following spring.
However, the holding midfielder has struggled to make an impact at the Etihad, with Guardiola criticising his fitness before he was farmed out on a succession of loan deals.
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“This summer, we spent everything we could. Unequivocally, we are maxing PSR out this season. If we had gone on to other targets [on deadline day], the consequences would have been seen in the current roster. More key players from last season would have had to go.”
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Phillips was handed an unexpected lifeline this season, as he was named in City’s Premier League squad. However, he has played just eight minutes in the EFL Cup in another frustrating season.
While a move back to Elland Road appears unlikely, he desperately needs to find a new club to get his once-promising career back on track.
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