LEEDS UNITED TAKE DRASTIC MOVE ON BRINGING CONTROVERSIAL EX-PLAYER BACK TO ELLAND ROAD
Leeds United Sent Kalvin Phillips Transfer Warning After Manchester City Exit Claims
The transfer window may only be open for a few days before it closes and opens again, but that has been the trigger for a flurry of Leeds United rumors. The Whites have already done some business, and Javi Gracia’s new look recruitment team are expecting to do a lot of business in the coming months. One name that hKalvin Phillips. It was reported that Leeds United are open to bringing the midfielder back to the club, with his position under threat at Manchester City.
Would the Move Make Sense for Leeds United?
Our Leeds United writers have their say on the potential move.
– Joe Thomas: I don’t see an upside that would make this move compelling to Leeds United. A wonderful player who could add great wisdom and experience to the dressing room, but unless Tyler Adams and Rasmus Kristensen end up leaving this summer – and both look odds on to stay with Adams offered a deal and talks with Kristensen understood to be progressing – Leeds United need players they can build a future around. Phillips is not one of them. However that dressing room looks in a few months’ time, there should be no need to worry about new players understanding their new club if Adams is around – even if that ended up being in a mentor role. Gaetano Berardi will also add another layer of Leeds United culture to Gracia’s squad. So then you would be left with a player who has struggled with consistency in a position where the club will hopefully be well-placed, with a fit Brenden Aaronson, retained Jamie Shackleton, and developing Archie Gray. Should Aaronson struggle to overcome his serious injury issue or Shackleton end up being sold, then the response should be to invest in an up-and-coming midfielder who can provide cover while growing as a player – not on an ageing star with a troubling consistency record.
– Matt Jones: Past his best in some areas. On big wages. Consistency issues. This potential transfer would ring alarm bells for a new recruitment team. Phillips has clearly been an excellent player down the years, but time seems to have really caught up with him in some aspects. His experience would be an asset, and if Leeds United were able to get him onto the pitch consistently, he would clearly have plenty to offer still. As things stand though, the squad has four capable midfielders – the Whites are waiting on a decision on the future of some of their midfield players – and their transfer budget would be better invested elsewhere. With a new era at Leeds United potentially on the horizon, this summer should be about building for the future. Phillips, practically and symbolically, would not send the right sort of message.
Leeds United’s Squad Depth
With a fit Brenden Aaronson, Jamie Shackleton isn’t starting every game, but with Tyler Adams and Archie Gray also in the mix, Leeds United have a good selection of midfielders. Their transfer budget would be better spent on players who can provide a long-term solution, rather than a player with consistency issues.
Building for the Future
With a new era at Leeds United potentially on the horizon, this summer should be about building for the future. Phillips, practically and symbolically, would not send the right sort of message. The club needs players who can grow and develop with the team, not someone who is dealing with consistency issues.
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