Kalvin Phillips joined Sheffield United on loan from Manchester City, hoping to get his career back on track, but things quickly went downhill during last month’s Steel City derby.
The former Leeds midfielder had only just started to find his feet after completing a deadline-day move, with City even covering a large part of his wages to push the deal through.
Chris Wilder was understandably pleased to bring him in, given his promotion experience and pedigree as an England international who has played in a major final, exactly the kind of presence the Blades wanted.
But that early optimism didn’t last long against Sheffield Wednesday. Not long after half-time, Phillips flew into a reckless challenge and was shown a straight red card. He hasn’t played since, with the midfielder currently nursing a knee injury.
Kalvin Phillips gets a warning ahead of the end of the loan stint at Bramall Lane
The former Leeds midfielder is keen to move on from Manchester City in the summer and is prepared to forego some of his wages to leave on a free transfer.
Sheffield United are believed to be interested in doing a deal for him if it makes financial sense for the club, with Chris Wilder previously hinting at such a possibility.
However, the Sheffield United manager’s recent comments do not bode well for Kalvin Phillips if he wants to return to Bramall Lane in the summer.
Wilder wants a smaller squad to work with next season as he looks to script a promotion campaign at Sheffield United and only wants players who are going to be consistently available.
“We’ve got to be tight”, he was quoted as saying by the Sheffield Star.
“We’re going to have a tight group next year. We’re going to be running with 22 and 23 players, so we’re not going to go anywhere near the numbers that we’ve got this season.
“And everybody has to be available.”
The ex-Leeds star has his work cut out to convince Wilder
Phillips’ red card and his latest injury setback haven’t exactly strengthened his case for a permanent move to Sheffield United.
Still, the manager is keen to add more promotion-winning experience to his squad next season, and Phillips fits that bill.
He’ll need to get back to full fitness, and it remains to be seen whether he plays again for Sheffield United before the regular Championship season ends.
Even if Manchester City agreed to terminate his contract, Phillips is in a race against time to convince Wilder that he deserves to return to Bramall Lane ahead of next season.
