Pundit wowed by ‘fantastic news’ as Kalvin Phillips shares update on Leeds United future
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United...
Paul Robinson is delighted to see Kalvin Phillips confirming that he wants to sign a new contract at Leeds United.
On 23 December, the 26-year-old was quoted by the Daily Mail as saying that he’s in regular talks with Andrea Radrizzani and is keen to put pen to paper on fresh terms at Elland Road.
Phillips’ stunning form during Marcelo Bielsa’s reign at Leeds has understandably led to speculation surrounding his future.
And while Robinson is thrilled to see that in the short term, Phillips is ready to sign a new deal, he still feels as though the midfielder’s not going to spend more than another couple of seasons in West Yorkshire.
“Regardless of who’s interested in Kalvin Phillips, it’s great news to hear that he wants a new contract,” Robinson told MOT Leeds News.
“If Leeds want to progress, improve and stay in the Premier League then Phillips has to be an integral part in that, as well as Raphinha unless you’re looking at bringing in a lot of money for Raphinha and rebuilding a side with three or four players.
“You can’t afford to let Phillips go, you have to build a team around players like him.
“If they can sign him on a new long-term contract, it’s fantastic news.
“I’ve no doubt that in the long-term, he’ll play Champions League football.
“If you look at his age, he’s still in the early part of his career and he was England’s best player in 2021.
“He’ll sign a new contract at Leeds and they’ll be financially rewarded accordingly, which is more than well-deserved. But it’s only going to be a matter of time before he wants to play Champions League and if he can do that at Leeds right now, it seems unlikely and a very long way off.
“If he signs a new contract and is rewarded financially – brilliant. But I think you’re probably only looking at another two years maximum before he looks for Champions League football.”
Phillips is currently out injured until March with Leeds failing to win any of the six Premier League matches he’s missed this season.
In other Leeds United news, this senior ace is reportedly on his way out of Elland Road despite Bielsa’s wishes.