Former Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips completed a deadline-day loan switch from Manchester City to Sheffield United, with Chris Wilder playing a big role in him moving to Bramall Lane.
Since returning to City last summer, Phillips has struggled for regular minutes under Pep Guardiola and was frequently linked with a potential return to Leeds United.
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Despite the speculation, Leeds did not make a concrete move during either of the last two transfer windows, choosing instead to focus on alternative targets and ruling out a reunion at Elland Road.
Former Leeds star Joe Rothwell also joined Sheffield United on deadline day, and Wilder now has a few ex-Whites stars with experience of promotion.
Chris Wilder reacts to signing ex-Leeds star Kalvin Phillips and Joe Rothwell
Wilder has already tasted some success with a former Leeds star, with Patrick Bamford looking good again after joining the club in November.
The Sheffield United boss signed Rothwell and Phillips on deadline day, and he is insistent that their experience and winning attitude will prove valuable.
He stressed that Rothwell and Phillips have been winners in their careers, and Wilder is hoping that their attitude helps to elevate other players in the Sheffield United squad.
He was quoted as saying by the Sheffield Star: “I’m looking forward to working with Joe, and I think it will give us a great lift with him and Kalvin coming into the group.
“They’re humble boys, but they’ve had fabulous careers, and they’re winners.
“Hopefully, their winning habits and winning traits, and winning experience, will rub onto our players, and I think it’s a great fit both ways.”
Phillips needs Wilder’s help to rekindle his career
The former Leeds man has returned to Yorkshire and will feature in the Championship for the first time since helping the Whites win promotion in 2020.
Well-versed in the demands of the second tier, his experience should prove a significant boost to the Sheffield United squad.
Kalvin Phillips’ Championship record
Championship Career Stats
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Chris Wilder has already succeeded in getting more out of Patrick Bamford this season and will now aim to spark a similar revival from the ex-Leeds midfielder.
A productive spell at Sheffield United could reopen doors later in the campaign, with Phillips expected to push for a permanent move away from Manchester City in the summer.
At a pivotal stage of his career, Phillips will be hoping Wilder can have the same positive influence on him as he has already had on Bamford this season.