Kalvin Phillips is apparently in talks to return to Leeds United in the summer, and Patrick Bamford has made a prediction.
Kalvin Phillips has had a terrible couple of years. The England midfielder left Leeds in the summer of 2022 for Premier League champions Manchester City for a fee of £45 million.
However, during the next 18 months, Phillips only appeared in 31 games for City due to injury, which was compounded by Rodri’s outstanding form for the club.
It resulted in his loan move to West Ham in January, with Phillips claiming he would have joined the Hammers from Leeds if City had not shown interest. But things have not gone as planned for the Elland Road favourite.
Phillips has made numerous mistakes, especially before goals against Bournemouth and Manchester United.
He has also received a red card against Nottingham Forest and conceded a penalty in a recent 4-3 defeat to Newcastle.
Phillips’ status, which has been linked with a possible return to Leeds this summer if the Whites are promoted, was discussed by Patrick Bamford on the latest episode of his My Mate’s A Footballer podcast with Joe Wilkinson.
Bamford talks Phillips amid Leeds links.
Wilkinson informed Bamford that Phillips is linked with a return to Leeds and asked him what he thought was needed next.
Wilkinson inquired: “There was discussion of him returning to Leeds. “What do you think he needs right now?”
Bamford responded: “I believe Kalv went to City to train with good players, which will help you improve. However, training on a daily basis differs significantly. Starting with a few minutes and progressing to matches.
“Unfortunately for Kalv, he’s gone to West Ham, where he lacks match sharpness. He’s playing catch-up because it’s midseason. Social media is bad. It is unfair. He does not stop being a top player.
“After winning England’s Player of the Year, I found myself unable to play for any Premier League team. Next season, Kalv will have a strong preseason wherever he goes. We will see the best of him again.”
Leeds is allegedly in talks with Phillips.
Leeds are reportedly in discussions to sign Phillips, and a loan deal might be considered to secure the midfielder, but promotion is crucial. City want a £30 million fee for a permanent move, citing his £150,000-per-week salary as a concern.
Andy Townsend recently stated that the only way for Phillips to return to his best is to join Leeds, where he is adored. That support from supporters would enable the England player return to his peak performance.
It makes sense since Phillips’ best form came while playing for Leeds, and he has yet to regain that level since leaving Elland Road. Would he fit within Daniel Farke’s team? Leeds definitely need central midfielders.
