Dean Jones believes Phillips could really contemplate a return to Elland Road following a disastrous spell at City.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Kalvin Phillips may return to Leeds United after suffering at Manchester City and West Ham, according to Dean Jones.
- His performance has declined significantly since leaving Leeds, prompting concerns about his future at the Etihad Stadium.
- Leeds should assess the financial ramifications of signing Phillips and make an informed decision.
Dean Jones, a transfer insider, says Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips may consider returning to Leeds United.
The England international was a big success at Elland Road, playing an important role under Marcelo Bielsa as the Whites won promotion back to the Premier League.
While playing for Leeds, he was also a frequent starter for the Three Lions at the European Championships, when he came close to winning the tournament under Gareth Southgate.
Inevitably, he went on, and Pep Guardiola’s team signed him back in the summer of 2022.
Although it was unknown how much game time he would get, many people expected him to excel.
Not only had he previously excelled for the Whites and Three Lions, but many of his England teammates, like John Stones and Kyle Walker, were already at Manchester City.
Unfortunately for him, he has not been able to make an impact at the Etihad Stadium, failing to receive much game time until being loaned out to West Ham United back in January.
| Kalvin Phillips’ appearances since leaving Leeds United | ||
|---|---|---|
| (As of April, 3) [All competitions) | ||
| Season | Club | Appearances |
| 2022/23 | Manchester City | 21 |
| 2023/24 | Manchester City | 10 |
| 2023/24 | West Ham United (loan) | 9 |
Phillips would have hoped to relaunch his career at the London Stadium, but it has been a nightmare thus far, and last weekend’s defeat to Newcastle United did little to restore his confidence.
After conceding a penalty in the game, he was confronted with abuse from West Ham supporters as he returned to the team coach, and he was caught making an insulting gesture to those detractors.
Dean Jones forecasts Kalvin Phillips’ opinion about Leeds United’s homecoming.
With his stint in the English capital not working out and possibly no way back at City, journalist Jones reckons Phillips will contemplate returning to Elland Road.
He told Give Me Sport: “It’s been a troubling descent for Phillips, and going from England Player of the Year a few years ago to sticking a finger up to supporters while struggling on loan at West Ham must be difficult.
“It will have been difficult for him to process what happened against Newcastle over the weekend – both on and off the pitch – and, of course, he will have to make a major decision about his future in the summer.
“The best thing to do in moments in a career when you are truly up against it and need to regain form, confidence, or both is to find a club that fits you and understands what you stand for.
“In that sense, I believe Phillips will consider returning to Leeds United because it will provide him with an opportunity to rediscover himself.
“Obviously, we will have to see if Leeds make it up and how the financials work around it, but we’ve seen Jadon Sancho seek solace in an old club by going back to Dortmund, and it would make sense that the idea of Phillips going back to Leeds is considered.”
Leeds United should hesitate before considering Kalvin Phillips’ comeback.
First and first, Leeds must win promotion in order to sign Phillips, which is not guaranteed at this time.
Even if they are promoted, they should exercise caution before spending too much money on the midfielder.
Clearly, he isn’t thriving right now, but City are sure to seek a fair price for him given what they paid to bring him in and how much time he still has remaining on his contract.
Will he deliver value for money if he returns?
That is something Leeds must assess and carefully consider, especially given the other areas that must be addressed if they win promotion.
