West Ham are unlikely to buy Kalvin Phillips permanently once his loan expires, yet his return to Manchester City may not last long, with increased speculation that a stunning return to Leeds United is on the cards.
Phillips grudgingly accepted in January that his future must be apart from the triple winners for the sake of both his club and international careers.
The 28-year-old had hoped to stay at Manchester City and battle for his place. That determination stymied any escape prospects last summer, but after a string of missed opportunities, the light bulb finally went out.
Phillips joined West Ham on a six-month loan but has struggled to make an impact.
In truth, Phillips has had a sequence of poor performances that have hurt his team. The off-form midfielder has looked unsteady in possession, has created an error that led directly to a goal and also received a red card.
Phillips’ difficulties are compounded by the fact that he was left out of Gareth Southgate’s newest England selection for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium. Phillips will not play in Euro 2024, unless his fortunes change in the coming months.
Perhaps predictably, GiveMeSport now reports that West Ham are exceedingly unlikely to sign Phillips to a permanent contract in the summer.
A final decision has yet to be made, but there is a strong hint that Phillips will return to parent club Manchester City after the season closes.
Phillips might return to Leeds under one condition.
However, GMS adds to previous suggestions from Football Insider that Phillips might make a stunning return to his boyhood club Leeds United.
FI claimed that Leeds has a genuine interest in re-signing Phillips, but that a transfer would only be possible if they were promoted to the Premier League.
Daniel Farke’s side now leads the Championship, but second-placed Leicester – trailing only on goal difference – have one game in hand. Ipswich Town, in third position, are only one point behind the top two.
GMS backs up FI’s previous reporting, stating that Phillips’ return to Leeds is a real possibility.
Their study concluded: ‘If Leeds win promotion from the Championship to the Premier League at the conclusion of the season, they may offer Phillips a shot at atonement.
‘Prior to joining Manchester City, the Leeds-born player had spent his entire senior career at his hometown club.
‘The reported £150,000 per week earner may believe that returning to familiar surroundings will help him regain his peak shape.’
Manchester City will not stand in Phillips’ way if Leeds makes a bid. However, they seek to recoup as much of the initial £42 million they gave the Whites less than two years ago.
Of course, if Phillips returns to Elland Road, he will have to earn his position in Leeds’ engine room. Since the turn of the year, Farke has relied heavily on Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev in the middle.
