Kalvin Phillips was frequently linked with a return to Leeds United ever since he left his boyhood club. The young midfielder burst onto the scene during Marcelo Bielsa’s time at the club.
Phillips joined the club as a 14 year old and played through the ranks. He became a part of the first team in 2014.
The midfielder made his debut in April 2015, and became a fixture in the first team from the 2016 season. His breakout year would not come until Bielsa arrived at the club.
Initially starting out as an advanced midfielder, Bielsa saw him in a deeper role.
He switched positions and never looked back; becoming a staple in the team and going on to make over 200 appearances before joining Manchester City in 2021.
During that time he was named in the PFA Team of the Year in the Championship, and won England Men’s Player of the Year award.
Kalvin Phillips set for summer move
Since his move to Manchester City, things have not gone on really well for the former Leeds star.
He could not break into the team under Pep Guardiola, and this lead to him being linked with a move back to Elland Road almost every summer he was not at the club.
Eventually he did leave the Etihad, on loan deals to West Ham and Ipswich.
Last season, he signed for Sheffield United under Chris Wilder. He only made three appearances, and got sent off in one game before being ruled out of the season with an injury.
Despite that, Wilder was keen on bringing the 30-year old back.
Now, according to Pete O’Rourke, it is believed that Kalvin Phillips is in talks over a move to Sheffield United this summer.
The deal is said to be a season-long loan, with the Blades being the side who pushed for the move.
READ MORE: Leeds United flop lined up for shock return to boyhood club
Leeds made the right decision
Fans would have wanted the sentimental value when it comes to a former player returning.
But in Kalvin Phillips’ case, it was never reasonable. After joining City, he was never the same player as he once was. Pep Guardiola regularly criticized the player’s habits too.
Bringing Phillips on board would have just been like the Buonanotte signing in January.
Currently, the Whites have a good core of midfielders in the first team that can help lead the club into the future.
