Kalvin Phillips tipped for Leeds United return but in unusual role, Ethan Ampadu won’t like it
Leeds United’s centre-back options are quite well-stocked after the summer transfer window. But could Kalvin Phillips potentially become another for Daniel Farke?
Leeds United desperately needed new centre-backs during the summer transfer window, and Daniel Farke eventually signed two new ones in Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw.
Though so far, it’s been last season’s centre pairing of Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk who’ve manned the defence so far, and successfully so with two clean sheets in their opening five games.
After Leeds United beat Wolves 3-1 in their last Premier League game, Farke finds his side sitting pretty in 12th place of the table, ahead of a game against Bournemouth at Elland Road this weekend.
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Kalvin Phillips could return to Leeds United in unfamiliar role
Whilst predominantly a midfielder, Kalvin Phillips could yet find himself playing deeper on the pitch, at least according to our chief transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey. Phillips has long been linked with a return to Elland Road, with recent reports suggesting that Leeds United are still interested in re-signing Phillips.
But against all expectations, Phillips is set to be given a second chance at Man City. Pep Guardiola is bringing him back into the fold and so where, or even if he leaves the Etihad any time soon, remains to be seen.
Speaking to Leeds United News, though, Bailey explained how he still expects Phillips to come back to Leeds United one day, also revealing how he thinks the 29-year-old could eventually end up playing in defence.
Bailey said: “I still think he’ll end up back at Elland Road at some point and and it’ll suit all parties when he does. I think Phillips has a future at centre-back. Leeds will put their arm around him. He hasn’t put much tire on the tread recently. Leeds need to take him back and I think they will, but will that be January?”
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Leeds United’s Elland Road ahead of a clash against West Brom.
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For the time being, Farke’s centre-back options are solid. So too are his options in the centre of midfield. But come next summer, there might be one or two players moving on, especially if they can impress, too.
Farke may be fearful of the likes of Ao Tanaka attracting interest or maybe even Struijk. During the summer, Struijk was linked with a move away from Leeds United and not for the first time.
Phillips potentially returning and playing a sort of Ethan Ampadu role in the side, floating between defence and midfielder whenever needed, may not be beyond the realms of possibility.
But it remains a potentially expensive signing for the 49ers. And Ampadu may not like that idea given that it’s his role, and that he’s already having to fight for a spot in his favoured midfield following the arrivals of Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff.
Phillips remains on sky high wages at Man City and his contract runs until 2028. For Leeds, it might still be a dream reunion, but the timing still isn’t quite right.
Daniel Farke provides update as Jayden Bogle injury only dampener on Leeds United’s day at Wolves
Daniel Farke has provided an update on Jayden Bogle after the right-back was forced off the pitch in Leeds United’s victory over Wolves.
In a big pressure game, Leeds United picked up their second win of the Premier League campaign on Saturday in a confident 3-1 victory over Wolves.
Daniel Farke needed a big result after Leeds had gone winless since the opening day, while also failing to score in the league since Lukas Nmecha’s penalty against Everton.
Things didn’t get off to a great start when Wolves scored after just eight minutes, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin equalised with a powerful header.
A stunning free-kick from Anton Stach and Noah Okafor’s tidy finish completed the turnaround before the break, with Leeds withstanding second-half pressure for a crucial three points.
The only dampener on a soggy day in the Black Country was a late injury suffered by Jayden Bogle, and Farke says the injury cannot yet be fully assessed.
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Jayden Bogle in pain after suffering an injury in Leeds vs Wolves.
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It had been yet another solid display for Bogle, who set up Calvert-Lewin’s header with a cross from deep.
However, things took a turn for the worse in the 82nd minute when, after competing for a header, a Wolves player landed awkwardly on his foot.
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Bogle’s boot came off in the clash and it was immediately clear he was in serious discomfort. After treatment, the right-back was forced to limp his way back to the changing room.
Farke said in a post-match press conference that the injury cannot yet be assessed due to the swelling.
He said: “We have to assess him. It’s pretty swollen. We will have to assess him.”
Injuries mounting for Leeds United
The last thing Leeds need is yet another injury, with the casualties already piling up just five games into the new season.
Though Joel Piroe was back in the squad and Ao Tanaka returned to action on Saturday, Leeds were without goalkeeper Lucas Perri and attacking duo Dan James and Willy Gnonto.
It’s unclear when any of the trio will return and with Bogle now added to the injury list, things aren’t looking great.
Despite 10 summer signings, Leeds don’t have the deepest squad and are already beginning to look thin on options.
New arrival James Justin will likely fill in for Bogle, but the right-back is one of Farke’s most important players and will be a major blow.
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