Leeds United have been linked with a reunion with academy graduate Kalvin Phillips in the summer transfer window as they prepare for life back in the Premier League.
Phillips has not had an enjoyable time since leaving Leeds for Manchester City in 2022. A lack of game time lead to a disastrous loan spell with West Ham between January and June last year.
Last season saw him spend time on loan with Ipswich Town, but he couldn’t help the newly promoted side avoid relegation back to the Championship.
It’s expected to be a busy summer for Leeds, with the club backing Daniel Farke in the transfer window. The Whites have already been linked with several players, but look to have missed out on a move for goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher who is closing in on a move to Premier League rivals Brentford.
The last few days has seen talk intensify over a possible move for Phillips with a £10 million price tag mentioned. With that in mind, here is the latest on the midfielder.
Leeds' stance
As reported by LeedsLive , the club see Phillips as a risky target given his wages and injury status and are therefore unlikely to facilitate a return.
Phillips’ wages at City are thought to be over £150,000 per-week, with Leeds’ highest ever contract at around £80,000 per-week. There are also concerns about his injury.
The Premier League loan rules are also different to those of the EFL, with top-flight clubs only allowed to have two domestic loans in their squad. Therefore, Leeds may be unwilling to take up one of those spots with a signing they see as risky.
Injury blow
Phillips in expected to miss at least part of pre-season after undergoing surgery on an achilles injury. The midfielder is expected to be back fit in August, but it could potentially impact a move away from Man City this summer.
Phillips is set to complete his rehabilitation at City, using the club’s facilities as he searches for a move elsewhere, either on a loan or permanent deal.
Phillips spotted in Leeds
Phillips has, however been back in Leeds , as he attended the Kaiser Chiefs’ homecoming gig at Temple Newsam.
Former manager Simon Grayson has shared a picture on social media showing Phillips alongside Luke Ayling, Stuart Dallas and Josh Warrington. Phillips was shown to be in a protective footbrace after the aforementioned surgery.
Pathway open
City’s transfer activity hints that there will be no way back for Phillips at the Etihad Stadium when he does return from injury. Without a pre-season to be able to try and impress Pep Guardiola, it seems an uphill task for the midfielder.
It will be made even harder with Man City’s transfer activity. It is reported that City are making a move for AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders for a reported £55m fee.
If they are successful in completing that transfer, then it will push Phillips even further down the pecking order at the club.
A move, either on loan, or permanently, looks to be the most likely option between now and the end of the transfer window.