As quickly as Kalvin Phillips’ move from Man City to Leeds United has come about, the move has now been played down, and seemingly for good.
Kalvin Phillips is once again facing a summer predicament. The former Leeds United hero will return to parent club Manchester City in the summer following another testing loan spell, this time with Ipswich Town.
It’s clear that he’s unwanted at the Etihad and it wouldn’t be all that surprising if few Premier League teams are ready to take him in, with the 29-year-old having failed to score or assist in 16 Premier League games for the Tractor Boys this season.
After his disastrous West Ham loan last time round, Phillips has endured another tough spell away from City. But it looked as though an emotional return to Elland Road was well on the cards.
On Tuesday it was claimed that Leeds United had a verbal agreement with Manchester City to re-sign Phillips in the summer, three years after his £45million move to the Etihad.
But it seems as though said reports were premature, and barely even true.
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Leeds United can’t afford Kalvin Phillips’ Man City wages
An emerging report from GIVEMESPORT and reporter Ben Jacobs has provided some clarity on the situation. Jacobs simply writes that Leeds aren’t looking into a deal for Phillips right now with all focus on securing promotion from the Championship.
More interestingly, Jacobs goes on to reveal that Leeds simply wouldn’t be able to afford Phillips’ £150,000-a-week wages, even in the event of promotion to the Premier League. Although Phillips and Man City do want to part ways permanently this summer.
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Jacobs writes: “Leeds are not currently looking at a Kalvin Phillips return. The priority is to get promotion, and then assess what targets are possible.”
He then added: “Links with a sentimental Phillips return are downplayed by sources. Phillips is not looking for another loan, and Manchester City also want to find a permanent solution.
“Phillips’ age – he turns 30 this year – and more importantly wage, in excess of £150k, make it a deal Leeds can’t pull off even with promotion. There are other priorities.”
Photo by Kevin Barnes - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Kevin Barnes – CameraSport via Getty Images
What we’ve been told about a Kalvin Phillips return to Leeds United
Speaking to Leeds United News after the rumours of a Phillips verbal agreement broke, transfer expert Graeme Bailey told us pretty much the same thing as Jacobs.
Daniel Farke and the 49ers are focused on promotion right now. Nothing else. But Bailey revealed to us that Leeds will definitely look into a deal for Phillips in the summer, wage-providing.
He said: “Could he be of use in the top-flight? I believe he could be and some at Leeds also do. It is a situation they will look at, but as it stands they really want to concentrate their efforts on promotion before fully assessing their options for the squad.”
Leeds return to Championship action at home to Millwall on Wednesday night.