Kalvin Phillipshas been linked with a sensational return to Leeds United. Phillips, 29, spent 12 successful years at Leeds before leaving in July 2022 to join Manchester City for £45million.
However, the England international has struggled since his move to the Etihad Stadium. He started just five matches across all competitions in his first season as City won the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
Phillips' game time did not improve at the start of the following campaign and that triggered him to move to West Ham on loan in January 2024.
Although David Moyes gave Phillips a chance to impress, he flattered to deceive in east London, making a couple of high-profile mistakes that saw him drop down the pecking order. Phillips played just 15 minutes during West Ham's final eight Premier League matches before returning to City in the summer.
When it was made evident that Phillips was not going to get a look-in at City, he was sent out on loan to Ipswich Town. Since his move to Suffolk, he has enjoyed more game time, having started 14 top-flight games this season. There has been glimpses that Phillips is slowly starting to return to his best.
And if Phillips can enjoy a successful end to the season, interest in the Leeds-born midfielder is anticipated to rise. Reports have suggested that Leeds could consider a move to re-sign Phillips in the summer. Football Insider claim that Phillips is eager to make the switch back to Elland Road at the end of the season.
Should Leeds bring Phillips back? Here, our Leeds Live writers take a look at whether the Whites should opt to re-sign him from City...
Isaac Johnson
Club sources have told me that Phillips is extremely unlikely to be on their radar for next season, with his wages a major hurdle. The midfielder is thought to be earning more than £150,000 a week under his Manchester City contract.
The United top brass are well aware that they need to make every pound count next season amid spending limits - Leeds will only have a maximum three-year loss cap of £61m, as opposed to the £105m of Premier League regulars.
So, a return for Phillips should not be entertained unless United can get an exceptionally financially-beneficial deal, and even then he should only be a squad player. Leeds need better, frankly, as much of a pity as that is to say.
Even a loan deal that would also be risky given they’d be using part of their wage bill for someone who might not give them enough bang for their buck. Leeds would be better served using that money to buy a permanent player who can be a starter for Daniel Farke.
Dom Howson
The middle of the park is an area Leeds are going to have to address in the summer. Assuming Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka are Farke's first-choice pairing in the double pivot role in Farke's 4-2-3-1 system, more strength in depth will required to keep the pair on their toes.
Joe Rothwell has surpassed all expectations since joining on loan from Bournemouth but will return his parent club at the end of the campaign. Rothwell is in his 30s and has yet to establish himself at Premier League level. Will United try to sign him on a permanent basis?
There also big question marks over whether Ilia Gruev can make the step up. He has struggled to produce his best form since recovering from his injury.
But is Phillips really the answer? His best days appear to be behind him. One to avoid.
Kieran King
With Phillips turning 30 this year and entering the twilight of his career, would this be the best move for Leeds? I don't think so and believe the Whites should target a younger midfielder with more potential instead.
It's reported that City are wanting £20m to sanction the sale of Phillips and that would be quite a steep figure for a player who has declined in recent years and is 29. There is no doubt that if Phillips can get back to his level in 2020/21 then he would be worth every penny, but I can't see him doing that right now.
Therefore, Leeds should avoid the temptation and the romance of bringing a club hero back for a second spell, and instead look to the future and signing someone significantly younger. Phillips made 234 appearances during his first stint at the Whites after coming through the club's academy.
Amie Wilson
It’s a difficult one for Leeds, especially given the struggles that Phillips has had since leaving the club for Man City.
On one hand, presuming promotion is sealed at the end of the season, Phillips would bring Premier League knowhow and experience, and, despite his struggles, quality, to the squad. As shown by the promoted teams this season the gap is now hard to bridge meaning that clubs need all the quality they can get.
On the other hand, Phillips is now getting towards 30 and is expected to be on big wages if a move is made. Added to the fee that City are likely to demand, then it would be a big financial commitment for a player who’s not shown what he is fully capable of since laving Leeds in 2022.
For me, I think there may be better deals out there for the Whites. But the emotional element of the deal may be too much to turn down.
Matty Hewitt
I'd be steering Leeds United as far away from this as possible. Of course there'll be sentimental value in seeing Kalvin Phillips represent the Whites at Elland Road, but I don't think it's a transfer that would make much sense financially.
I'm also don't think Phillips is the player he was during that memorable EURO 2020 run which made him one of the most desirable midfielders in the country.
Since then, he's been injured and struggled for game time. If the Whites were to gain promotion back to the Premier League and the possibility of a loan move came about, it's something I'd be tempted to consider given his top flight experience, but I believe there's better value for money out there in the transfer market for Daniel Farke's side.
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