Daniel Farke, Kalvin Phillips
(Credit: Imago)
Niall Togher
Tue 15 July 2025 8:10, UK
Leeds United still have to make plenty of additions in the transfer window before they begin their Premier League campaign.
The Whites have key positions they must recruit in to stand a chance of avoiding relegation this season, with a goalkeeper and a striker surely being at the top of Daniel Farke’s shopping list.
Despite this, it is a new midfielder who seems to be the most likely next face to walk through the door at Elland Road, as Leeds remain in the hunt for Hoffenheim’s Anton Stach.
However, a former Leeds midfielder, Kalvin Phillips, was quick to react after Leeds announced they had reached fresh contract terms.
Anton Stach
Stach could become the latest addition to Farke’s squad (Credit: Imago)
Phillips reacts to James’ new deal at Elland Road
Welsh winger Dan James recently put pen to paper on a new four-year deal for the West Yorkshire outfit.
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Ever since United’s relegation, James has been a key player for Leeds in the Championship under Farke.
Despite the step down in quality that the second tier brings, it is evident that James has developed in the past two seasons, showcasing more composure and quality in the final third.
The Welshman’s outstanding season earned him the Leeds supporters’ Player of the Year award as the 27-year-old scored 12 goals and set up a further nine as the Whites won promotion to the Premier League.
Phillips reacted to his former teammate’s new deal by liking the Instagram post from Leeds’ official account announcing the extension (14 July).
He was not the only ex-United player to react to the news, with Luke Ayling also sending James a message to congratulate him.
Leeds must avoid a Phillips reunion ahead of next season
Marcelo Bielsa completely revolutionised Phillips’ career at Elland Road.
The Englishman was a steady Championship player playing for a mid-table Leeds side.
Bielsa’s appointment saw him deploy the midfielder further back in a new role where Phillips thrived as arguably the most crucial cog in Bielsa’s system.
This form even led to Phillips being a regular England international, and ultimately, he made the move to Manchester City as Leeds began to slip down the Premier League table.
However, a lack of playing time and injuries in recent years have now made Phillips a shadow of the player he once was.
Loan spells at West Ham and Ipswich have also been underwhelming for a player who was once the best in the country in his position.
With the midfielder constantly linked with a move back to his boyhood club, this is something Leeds must avoid.
Being just 29, Phillips could undoubtedly return to his best; however, Leeds should put their sentiment to one side and not risk signing a player who has been out of form for multiple seasons now.
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