Supporters on social media have cast their view on the prospect of a return to Leeds United for Kalvin Phillips, and for many the message is clear.
The midfielder is not the same player that left for Manchester City in 2022 and the majority of fans would rather United look at other targets. There are fears that he could be out of the whole of pre-season after undergoing an Achilles operation, anyway.
Leeds Live understands that United are very unlikely to move for Phillips this summer due his recent injury record and enormous wages at Man City. For the Blues themselves, the situation is a bit of a headache.
Simon Bajkowski, the chief Man City reporter at the Manchester Evening News, gives the view from the Etihad Stadium.
What have you been hearing about Kalvin Phillips’ future at Man City?
Simon Bajkowski: “It’s no secret that he hasn’t been part of City’s plans for over a year. They were willing to let him go after just 12 months but he opted to stay and fight for his place, which didn’t work out for him.
“After loans at West Ham United and Ipswich Town, everyone involved wants him to get another move but this latest injury will complicate matters.”
If he is to leave, is it more likely a sale or a loan? If a sale, what kind of price tag?
SB: “Everyone would love a sale just so all sides can move on from what has been a disastrous move, but it will depend on whether buying clubs are prepared to take a gamble on a player who simply hasn’t been anywhere near the level he needs to be for the last three years.
“City wouldn’t want or expect a big fee for him but in today’s environment where everyone is obsessed with PSR, even £10m or £15m could be seen as more than people are willing to risk.”
Are Man City mindful about wages being a stumbling block for potential buyers or loan clubs?
SB: “That depends on Phillips if it is a sale. If he wants to get playing regularly again, he needs to take a wage that will allow him to do that even if it is a significant cut.
“The problem City have is that, if there are no bidders for most of the summer with him being injured, any interested club could wait until close to the deadline and then press for City to take as much of his wages as possible in a loan just so a move is completed.”
What type of player is Phillips today?
SB: “I couldn’t tell you, and I suspect not many could. He was brilliant at Leeds but he’s not started more than six games in a row since the middle of 2022.
“He will be determined to prove a point and show that he can still excel in the top division, but his record over the last three years is not one to back that up.”
Overall, how likely is it that he leaves Man City this summer?
SB: “He will leave in some form because there is no chance of him playing for Pep Guardiola in the first team, it is just what deal can be negotiated.
“Given the last three years, it would be a surprise if he was a top priority for a leading club but there may well be several interested parties who see him as a cheap alternative they can take a punt on later in the window.”
