Kalvin Phillips has been repeatedly linked with a return to Leeds United since last summer, but a reunion at Elland Road now looks improbable, even with the midfielder edging towards an unexpected January departure from Manchester City.
Despite the speculation, Leeds chose to reinforce their midfield with two new additions following promotion and never turned the rumours into a concrete move to bring Phillips back.
The England international has seen limited action under Pep Guardiola this season, remaining on the fringes of the squad, and it is becoming increasingly apparent that his long-term future does not lie at the Etihad Stadium.
With Manchester City spending big money in the ongoing transfer window, the club are keen to move on fringe players such as Phillips in the next couple of weeks to balance the squad.
Ex-Leeds star Kalvin Phillips in talks to join Premier League side
Leeds have again been linked with a move for Phillips in the ongoing transfer window. However, the Whites are focused on bringing in attacking reinforcements.
The Yorkshire giants have shown an interest in their former midfielder, but as things stand, he is unlikely to return to Elland Road in January.
According to The Daily Mail, Phillips is in talks to join Premier League basement boys Wolves in the ongoing winter transfer window.
Wolves have been interested in the midfielder, and negotiations are underway for the ex-Leeds star to move to Molineux in the next week or so.
It is unclear whether it will be a loan or a permanent deal, but regardless, Manchester City would have to agree to subsidise significant wages.
Phillips is desperate to rekindle his career somewhere after it stalled following his move to Manchester City in 2023.
A Phillips return never made any sense to Leeds
Leeds are still thought to retain an interest in Phillips, with the possibility of a loan highlighting their openness to a return to Elland Road.
However, financial considerations remain a significant barrier. Leeds are unable to cover even a fraction of the midfielder’s wages, and unless Manchester City were willing to subsidise a large portion of his salary, a deal would be unworkable for the Whites.
| Leeds United Career Totals | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 234 |
| Goals | 14 |
| Assists | 13 |
From a squad-planning standpoint, Leeds are also well stocked in defensive midfield, meaning it is not a priority area. The more pressing requirement is further up the pitch, where creativity and goals are in short supply.
As a result, rather than chasing another holding midfielder in January, Leeds are focused on attacking reinforcements. With Phillips seemingly leaning towards a move to Wolves, the club are happy to concentrate on the more pressing needs of their squad.
