Khaldoon Al Mubarak’s words on Manchester City should send shivers down Leeds United spines
Every day seems to be a new update on one of the star men at Leeds United leaving this summer, but this is the biggest bombshell of the window so far.
Reports that bigger and more successful clubs want to sign both Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips aren’t new to fans of the Whites, but there has been some hope that the club hold the cards on their futures.
But as Raphinha edges closer to an exit to Spain if reports are to be believed, Phillips’ future is simply not as crystal clear.
The 26-year-old is entering the final 12 months of his contract, but has been clear that his main wish is to sign a brand new contract to extend his stay at his boyhood club.
But the words of the most powerful owner in the Premier League on Monday night could have changed everything about those plans and the plans of the club for the rest of the summer window.
Speaking after the club lifted their fourth Premier League title in five years, Khaldoon Al Mubarak said:
“I can confirm that there will be more players coming in,” he said as quoted by The Telegraph [May 30].
“We are looking to strengthen the team in the areas we need strengthening. Every season some players leave and we have to refresh the team. We always look at improving and strengthening. I anticipate we will be doing a couple more.”
That comes after the club have already agreed deals to sign Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez this summer.
The same report by The Telegraph suggests that their priority is to sign a left-back, but also claims that Phillips has emerged as the ‘number one target’ to replace Fernandinho and strengthen Pep Guardiola’s midfield.
Since taking over at the Etihad Stadium, some things have just become guarantees. Death, taxes, and Man City getting their top target over the line.
Leeds simply cannot compete financially with them, but also the club are able to offer Phillips something nobody else can.
He would play under one of the best manager’s ever, in an attack-minded setup, competing for all the trophies at the very highest level and would be earning the sort of cash that a player of his talent deserves.
If Leeds fans weren’t worried about their star man leaving before, they should be absolutely terrified now.
In other Leeds news, BT Sport pundit wants CL giants to move for Leeds star as he would be ‘incredible’ back up