If Leeds United can secure promotion back to the Premier League, they are reportedly interested in re-signing Kalvin Phillips from
Manchester City during the upcoming summer transfer window.
It is known that Leeds will likely make large summer transfer window expenditures if they get promoted, with acquiring a reliable
midfield anchor being one of their top goals.
During 2022’s summer transfer window, the 28-year-old England international left Leeds for Manchester City.
The Premier League winners are thought to have paid approximately £42 million for the central midfield player, who was brought in
to challenge Rodri in City’s engine room.
But after a protracted injury, Phillips found it difficult to fit into Pep Guardiola’s system and was loaned to West Ham United for six
months in the January transfer window.
Football Insider reports that Leeds anticipates Phillips to make a comeback to the Etihad Stadium at the conclusion of the current
campaign, at which point he will be traded permanently.
The 28-year-old midfielder is still well-liked at the Yorkshire team, according to the source, and if they make it back to the top flight,
they will work on a deal to get him back to his childhood team.
Daniel Farke’s team defeated league leaders Leicester 3-1, and as a result, they are now in second position in the Championship
standings.
City on Friday night.
Since leaving Leeds, Phillips’ trip has undoubtedly not gone well, especially in light of Guardiola’s admission that he finds it difficult to
picture the midfielder in Manchester City’s long-term plans.
“I’m not sure what will transpire. I’m so sorry about what I decided for him. I’ve stated that a lot. I’m very sad; he doesn’t deserve what
has happened to him.
“The only thing I can say about him is that he is the epitome of the good personalities and qualities I am asking for. And I was
supposed to offer him something after that, but I didn’t.”In December, Guardiola told reporters, “It’s just that I struggle to see him
because I visualise certain things and the team and things.”
Phillips has also had a lackluster start to his career at West Ham, as evidenced by a mistake that led to a goal on his debut against
Bournemouth and a red card two weeks later against Nottingham Forest.
Though it could be alluring to return to the team where he first gained recognition, his current pay appears to be the biggest obstacle
to a contract.
Consequently, before discussing any possible return, Leeds could need to know if Phillips is prepared to take a large pay cut.
The Whites’ next game will be on Wednesday night when they host Chelsea in the FA Cup’s fifth round.
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