Kalvin Phillips reacts as Patrick Bamford takes swipe after Leeds United win
Leeds United beat Middlesbrough 1-0 on Tuesday but the result was not without controversy.
An early Dan James strike was the difference between the sides at the Riverside Stadium (8 April) as the Whites returned to the summit of the Championship.
The encounter was more nervy than it should have been with Daniel Farke’s side having two goals ruled out for offside, when they were blatantly onside, which left Neil Warnock furious.
Phillips reacts to Bamford swipe after Leeds win
Ao Tanaka and Patrick Bamford had strikes ruled out in the contest and the latter took to social media to vent his frustrations with a subtle swipe at the officials.
The 31-year-old took to Instagram (8 April), saying: “A privilege to make my 200th appearance tonight for Leeds United, great to finish it with 3 points and a goal… We keep going.”
Phillips, who has been linked with a stunning return to Elland Road, reacted to the post as he commented with three heart emojis.
Bamford could reunite with Phillips next season at Leeds
The duo were key members of the squad during the Marcelo Bielsa era at Leeds and are both adored by the Leeds faithful.
However, Phillips was tempted away from Elland Road by Manchester City in 2022 but could return in the summer after a miserable spell at the Etihad Stadium.
| Season | Club | PL appearances |
| 2022/23 | Manchester City | 12 |
| 2023/24 | Manchester City | 4 |
| 2023/24 | West Ham | 8 |
| 2024/25 | Ipswich Town | 16 |
He has rarely featured for Pep Guardiola’s side, being sent on loan to West Ham and Ipswich Town in the last two seasons and is understood to be keen on a return to Yorkshire, no matter what league the Whites are in next season.
Farke will hope it is in the top-flight though and his side are in pole position to win the Championship and secure automatic promotion after results went in their favour on Tuesday.
They need to end the season strongly to ensure that they are not left heartbroken like last season, and then they can focus on transfer planning and potentially reuniting Phillips and Bamford.
The squad will need significant upgrades in the transfer window if they are promoted as the quality between the divisions is at an all-time high, and the 29-year-old would be a great start to their business as he is familiar with the club and the league and would bring the feel-good factor.