Leeds United are being linked with a sensational move for midfielder Kalvin Phillips, and EFL Analysis has exclusive information about a possible return for the former Marcelo Bielsa favourite.
Having looked like he may not have a future with the club, Bielsa transformed him into the best holding midfielder in the division over two seasons, and Phillips continued to impress following promotion as well.
Team Appearances Goals Assists
Leeds United 234 14 13
Manchester City 31 1 0
West Ham United 10 0 0
Ipswich Town 19 1 0
England 31 1 2
Kalvin Phillips’ career stats – as of 12/03/2025
Leeds could offer Phillips a route back into Premier League football immediately when his loan spell with Ipswich Town ends, with Daniel Farke’s men in a strong position to secure their place back in the top-flight at the second attempt.
Man City spent £42 million on the England international just under three years ago. But, Pep Guardiola’s side are keen to offload him after the end of this campaign and Leeds could be keen on a reunion.
Now, in an EFL Analysis exclusive, we can reveal what the player is thinking about the latest links back to the club heading towards the summer transfer window.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Kalvin Phillips would welcome Leeds United return from Man City
EFL Analysis expert Graeme Bailey has offered the latest exclusive information on the situation. He said: “We understand that Kalvin Phillips would happily return to Leeds United next season, if they are promoted back to the Premier League.
“The England international is currently on-loan at Ipswich Town – who he joined on-loan from Manchester City in the summer. The 29-year-old has started over a dozen games after overcoming some initial injury concerns, but Ipswich are unlikely to be in a position to convert his move into a permanent one come the summer as relegation beckons for the Suffolk outfit.
“However, Phillips’ former club Leeds are firm favourites to return to the Premier League and we understand that Leeds were understood to held an interest last summer but they could put together a deal but that interest does remain.
“Leeds would be open to a possible return. Manchester City have already made it clear to Phillips that they will not stand in his way, but he still has three-years left on his deal meaning another loan is the most likely scenario at this point.
“Should Leeds be promoted they would be favourites to sign him, but we are told there are other clubs who could be interested including fellow promotion contenders Sheffield United.”
Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Leeds have other priorities amid Kalvin Phillips claims
Known as the “Yorkshire Pirlo” during his time at Leeds, Phillips excelled in the defensive midfield role under Bielsa, where his superb work rate, vision, and precise tackling turned him into one of the Championship’s standout players.
Still, he’s not quite the same player these days. There’s a discussion to be had as to whether Leeds would really benefit from having him back now, especially given his injury concerns. But, on his day, Phillips would of course be a great signing, and the sentimental value of his arrival alone would be huge.
Speaking of the second tier, that is Leeds’ current focus. It was a big weekend in the Championship yet again, with the landscape at the top and bottom of the division changing all the time, but especially for clubs targeting promotion to the Premier League.
Sheffield United and Burnley draws on Tuesday night mean Leeds can reclaim top spot and a points cushion again, with the Whites taking on Millwall tonight, where they are hoping to take another step closer to the Premier League.
Daniel Farke’s side still still have promotion in their own hands. Although, Leeds may wish to rectify a worrying trend if they are to guarantee a top two place and avoid the dreaded play-offs Phillips knows all about.