Phil Hay: £42m for Kalvin Phillips not a terrible deal for Leeds United
The Athletic’s Phil Hay believes that £42million for Kalvin Phillips is not a bad deal for Leeds United, with the 26-year-old set to move to Manchester City.
The Daily Mail reported (1 July, page 74), that Phillips is set to undergo his Manchester City medical on Friday ahead of his move to the Etihad.
The Athletic reported [24 June] that the two clubs have agreed on a £42million deal for the England international and Hay feels it’s not a bad bit of business by Leeds.
Talking on the latest edition of the Phil Hay show, [1 July, 5m25s] Hay said: “It’s the best move out there for him at present and no one can begrudge him a move to Manchester City.
“I suppose the fee could’ve been slightly higher, if you’d have said £50million or thereabouts then that would be bang on the money.
“But given there was only one club in the running, I don’t think £42million with potential add-ons of £3million is a terrible deal for Leeds.”
Hay added: “This is the point at which his value is at its height.
“It’s not a terrible deal, it’s not a brilliant one.”
On the low side
Regardless of the scenario surrounding Phillips’ departure, £42million for the 26-year-old is definitely on the low side for the Whites.
It is clear that Leeds didn’t want to stand in the way of Phillips, who has certainly earnt the right to play at the highest level of club football.
Whites’ fans would’ve been hoping for a deal nearer the £60million mark for the England international but ultimately the lack of concrete interest in the midfielder has allowed City to take advantage of his contract situation.
Leeds could not afford to allow the 26-year-old to enter the final two years of his contract, with his value only likely to decrease sharply.
£42million is still a good amount of money for Jesse Marsch to utilise in the transfer market if he is allowed it.
Marc Roca has already been added to the midfield ranks at Elland Road, but when Phillips departs, the American is almost certain to bring in more midfield additions.
Every single Leeds fan will wish Phillips well as he departs the club.
A footballer’s career is short and if an opportunity arises to play for one of the best teams the Premier League has seen, it cannot be turned up.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites now want to sign this striker with a rival set to kickstart a major £30million+ transfer battle