The summer window saw Leeds United end up with 10 new signings, but more than 100 players linked with a move to Elland Road, and one of them was of course, Kalvin Phillips.
The 29-year-old has returned to Man City after an indifferent loan spell at Ipswich Town. He managed just 19 Premier League appearances, and Ipswich were ultimately relegated under Kieran McKenna’s guidance.
Now back at City with three years left on his £200k-a-week contract, Phillips has been added to the 25-man Premier League squad. But the England star has little chance of getting any Man City game time.
LeedsUnited.News were told in the summer that Phillips wanted to join Leeds, securing a return to the club where it all started. But nothing materialised, with Leeds signing Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach.
Pep Guardiola ‘feels bad’ for Kalvin Phillips’ situation
Speaking ahead of City’s Carabao Cup clash against Huddersfield Town on Wednesday night, Guardiola was asked about Phillips. The player is unavailable as he is about to become a father for a second time.
Guardiola says he “feels bad” for Phillips, explaining that Rodri was the “father with 10 sons” during Phillips’ first years at City and that the Premier League giants play differently to Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds.
“Maybe I didn’t give him enough minutes, I don’t know. Rodri was fit, like our father, protective of 10 sons. The lack of minutes, the way we played, completely different from Leeds with Marcelo [Bielsa].
“It’s just the environment, how they connect with the way we play, with teammates. And players play good when they have minutes, games and I didn’t give them. And when that’s happened, I feel bad.”
Where does Kalvin Phillips turn now?
Ultimately, Phillips is not going to break in at City. Guardiola has made it clear in the past and even in this week’s comments, he is not at the required level for his side. He needs a move as soon as possible.
A return to Leeds is always a possibility but with Ethan Ampadu starring and the club having maxed out PSR, the chances of a return before next summer are zero. The lack of interest in the summer is worrying.
Reports claimed in the summer that Man City might terminate Phillips’ deal. But having been bought for £45m and only three years into a six-year deal, that would come as a PSR loss for City. One to watch.
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