Former Leeds United midfielder made his first appearance for Manchester City in over a year on Wednesday night when he appeared from the bench in their 2-0 EFL Cup win over Huddersfield Town.
Manchester City were pushing to move on the midfielder in the summer transfer window. A return to Leeds was mooted, but the Yorkshire giants never really made a serious offer to sign him.
There were suggestions that Manchester City could do a Patrick Bamford and let the former Leeds midfielder leave as a free agent by paying off his contract in the summer.
However, he stayed put and his patience paid off as Phillips made his much-anticipated return to the pitch for Manchester City in their cup win over Huddersfield on Tuesday night.
Erling Haaland reacts to Kalvin Phillips returning to playing for Manchester City
It is hard to remember, but Phillips started in a European Championship final for England and was seen as one of the most exciting deep-lying midfielders in England under Marcelo Bielsa.
However, his career has been on the downturn since he left Leeds for Manchester City. He has struggled to win Pep Guardiola’s trust, and he spent the latter half of last season on loan at Ipswich Town.
Guardiola has thrown him a lifeline, and it seems Phillips remains a popular member as Haaland has celebrated his return to the pitch.
However, it is unlikely that Phillips will become a key player in Guardiola’s squad, and the club are still keen to sell him in the winter window.
Leeds have continued to get linked with a move for a player who is a product of their academy and would jump at the opportunity to return to Elland Road.
A Leeds return still looks like a long shot
Phillips wanted to return to Leeds in the summer. However, the club signed Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach to improve their midfield options.
Leeds fans also remain cool on the prospect of him returning to Elland Road, as there is a major feeling that he left the club for money.
The midfielder would love to return to Leeds in the winter window, but it seems unlikely he is the profile of player the club would want in the winter window.
Leeds are looking to bring in a winger and an attacking midfielder in January, and they feel pleased about the options they have in the squad.
Can you name these 10 former Leeds United midfielders?
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I don’t blame him at all for leaving for the money. If anybody reading this says they would not do the same if they were offered such a wage I would say they are talking out of their rear. I just don’t want him back because he is a spent force now and we don’t want to go backwards. He offers us nothing that we don’t have already. I wish him luck but I don’t wish him back at ER. No way