Leeds United likelihood of re-signing Kalvin Phillips emerges amid Manchester City exit talk
Leeds United are unlikely to resign Kalvin Phillips because too many variables in the deal make the transfer impossible, according to Ben Jacobs.
The CBS Journalist told Give Me Sport on Saturday (14 October) that a potential homecoming for Phillips, whether it be in January or next summer is unlikely as Leeds may not even have the financial power to reach an agreement with Manchester City.
Having struggled to make an impact at the Etihad Stadium since his £45 million switch in the summer of 2022 [Sky Sports] the midfielder looks increasingly likely to depart Manchester in the new year with both Everton and Newcastle United interested [I News, 10 October].
Discussing a potential Elland Road return, Jacobs said: “Those close to the player are still saying that he wants to fight for his place at Manchester City. I think that people will always make links with an out-of-favour player and their old club.
“Very rarely do you see a player, especially someone like Phillips with his age and profile, go back in this context because there are just too many variables ranging from Leeds’ lack of European football – should they return to the Premier League – to the fee itself.
“On top of that, as a newly-promoted side, if we’re talking hypothetically, you could go down the next season. Where would that leave Phillips, his game time and England chances because he may have to find another club?”
Fun while it lasted
Few Leeds United supporters would have truly expected Phillips to return to Elland Road, whether it be this January or next summer. But there is always a chance that a move could appear from nowhere and there is plenty of romance in the potential homecoming for the England midfielder.
While Daniel Farke’s side are in the Championship there is no chance that a deal would be reached and to be quite honest, Leeds would be reluctant to spend too much money on improving their midfield given the depth of quality already in place at Elland Road.
But if Phillips is looking to once again enjoy his football after a dreary few seasons in Manchester, he may be willing to take a financial pay cut to ensure that a transfer can be achieved, even if that sort of situation is incredibly unlikely.
If this week’s reports are true and the 27-year-old is set to join one of Newcastle or Everton when the January window opens, it may well be a case of the Whites missing out because they arrive in the top-flight six months too late.
But while he’s still a Man City player, there’s still a glimmer of hope.
In other Leeds United news, one journalist has said six “failing” players should look for January moves away from Elland Road