Leeds United are in the market for players in the winter transfer window and are looking at potential reinforcements. Very few fans feel the club need a midfielder, but the Whites have launched a shock bid to bring back Kalvin Phillips.
The midfielder was heavily linked with a return to Leeds last summer. However, the club signed Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff to reinforce their midfield, and Phillips stayed at Manchester City.
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He is not a major part of Pep Guardiola’s plans, and the club are looking to move him on in January as part of their idea to resize their squad. The former Leeds star will never make it at the Etihad.
Leeds are looking to reinforce their attack in the January transfer window. However, the club are again in the mix to take Phillips back to Elland Road in January.
Leeds United enquire to sign Kalvin Phillips in January
Phillips was believed to be keen on returning to Leeds in the last summer transfer window. However, they decided to consider other midfield options.
However, they are in need of some calm in the middle of the team at the moment, and captain Ethan Amapdu’s form has dipped in recent weeks.
According to the Daily Star’s print edition on Thursday, Leeds have made enquiries into the possibility of signing the midfielder on loan in January.
Initial probes have been made to see what conditions would convince Manchester City to let Phillips return to Elland Road on loan in the winter window.
The first issue in any potential deal would be his wages, worth £250,000 per week. Manchester City would have to agree to pay a large share of that figure for any loan deal to go through.
Phillips would likely still be the highest-paid player in the Leeds squad even if Pep Guardiola’s side decide to subsidise half of his current salary.
The 29-year-old is keen on a return to Leeds. But we are a long way apart from any deal getting agreed upon.
Do Leeds need Kalvin Phillips?
Phillips was at the heart of the famous Leeds team that won promotion to the Premier League in 2020 and then went on to finish in the top half of the Premier League in their first season back.
He was a regular in the England squad until Gareth Southgate left, and played in a European Championship final and a World Cup semi-final for the Three Lions.
For a brief period, he was probably the best deep-lying midfielder England had. However, he has not been the same in the last few years.
Injuries and fitness issues have haunted him at Manchester City, and he never really earned the trust of Guardiola since joining his side from Leeds in 2022 for a deal worth £45m.
He has not played for Manchester City in the Premier League since the end of the 2023/24 season.
A return to Leeds would be emotional as he is from the area and the club’s academy. However, it is unclear where he plays in the team.
Daniel Farke will not drop Ampadu for anyone. A new manager may still see Phillips as an upgrade on the Welshman, but is he?
Phillips’ career has been on a downward curve for a few years. Leeds need forwards, not midfielders who are probably past their best.
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