£45m player has chosen to join Leeds United this summer, ‘I think it gets done…’
The 49ers are ready to spend more than £100m to give Leeds a fighting chance next season, as Leeds look to buck the trend of promoted clubs suffering instant relegation. Plenty of new additions are likely.
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A new goalkeeper will be a priority, as will a centre-back and a striker. Replacing Junior Firpo, another midfielder and a replacement for Brenden Aaronson is also likely in the coming weeks and months.
Leeds have already been linked with a huge number of players. Just this week, Everton striker Beto and Marseille captain Leonardo Balerdi have emerged on the Leeds radar, if reports are to be believed.
Kalvin Phillips is desperate to return to Leeds United this summer
Now 29, Kalvin Phillips is entering the peak of his career. The England star however, has endured three dismal years after his £45m move to Man City, spending 18 months on loan at West Ham and Ipswich.
Phillips returns to The Etihad and with Rodri fit, he will be surplus to requirements under Pep Guardiola. Transfer expert Graeme Bailey has told LeedsUnited.News that Phillips wants to return to Leeds, on loan.
“Leeds are looking at the Phillips situation intently. He wants to come back. It won’t be a permanent deal, I think it’s the perfect opportunity for Leeds . Leeds should do everything they can to bring him back.
“He could be extraordinarily good. He’s still a very good Premier League player. He’s made some wrong decisions, he should have gone to Newcastle but I’d be surprised if they decide not to bring Phillips back.
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“He is one of Leeds top targets this window, loan with an option. Leeds will have no issue matching what Ipswich are paying . My understanding is he wants to come back, Leeds want him. I think it gets done.”
What Kalvin Phillips’ return means for Leeds current midfielders…
Currently, Leeds have four central-midfield options; Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka, Joe Rothwell, Ilia Gruev. Rothwell looks increasingly likely to return to Bournemouth, instead of signing permanently at Leeds.
Ampadu meanwhile, has arguably played better at centre-back alongside Wales teammate Joe Rodon. It could be that Ampadu remains in defence and Leeds look to replace his absence in central midfield.
Simon Grayson thinks Ao Tanaka is Premier League ready and the Japan star surely starts, but it could be that Leeds try to bring in a defensive midfielder to go next to him. Perhaps, that’s where Phillips comes in.
