Kalvin Phillips
(Credit:Imago)
Carla Devine
Tue 3 June 2025 7:15, UK
Kalvin Phillips may not be returning to Leeds United and Elland Road this summer.
After gaining promotion to the Premier League as champions, Daniel Farke is eager to strengthen his side to ensure survival at the top.
While the Whites have a good squad currently, the addition of strong top-flight experience is wanted throughout their spine in LS11.
However, former Leeds man Phillips may not be the answer that they are looking for.
Daniel Farke
Farke needs to prepare his team for the Premier League. (Credit: Imago)
Leeds have reservations about Phillips
Since their promotion was confirmed, Leeds have been linked with a move to reunite with Phillips.
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The midfielder is still a Manchester City player, but spent the season on loan at Ipswich Town, where he made 19 appearances.
Having struggled for fitness in recent years, game time has been limited for Phillips and he has only made 16 Premier League appearances for Pep Guardiola’s men since joining in 2022.
Season Club Appearances
2022/23 Manchester City 12
2023/24 Manchester City 4
2023/24 West Ham (loan) 8
2024/25 Ipswich Town (loan) 19
Phillips has struggled in recent seasons.
Although talks have reportedly been held between the two sides about where Phillips’ future could lie, the Whites may be pulling away from a deal.
According to Leeds Live (3 June), they are now “very unlikely” to make a move this summer.
It is stated that the biggest stumbling block are the wages involved, as he is said to be earning around £150,000-a-week at the Etihad.
In contrast, the highest contract that the West Yorkshire outfit have given out previously is £80,000-a-week.
In addition, the 29-year-old’s injury record is a concern too, which has been emphasised after he underwent surgery on his Achilles, which could lead to him being out for the entirety of pre-season.
Kalvin Phillips Ipswich Town
Phillips struggled again at Ipswich Town (Credit: Imago)
Leeds to leave Phillips in the past
You can understand why there have been talks over the possibility of a deal as Leeds return to the Premier League.
Phillips was excellent for the Whites and a popular player at Elland Road. If he could reignite that spark, it would be a grand reunion.
However, the risks are surely too big for the West Yorkshire outfit on this occasion.
Not only would his wages be through the roof, but his injury record could lead to a valuable spot in Leeds’ side being wasted, especially when PSR is so tight.
Staying up next term has to be the priority for Farke’s men, and therefore, all decisions made have to give the best chance of this happening.
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