Leeds United could seal a Kalvin Phillips return regardless of their league status next season in a major new update.
The former Whites academy graduate has struggled to recreate the sensational form that earned him a £45million move to Manchester City in 2022.
He has featured just 17 times on loan for Ipswich Town in the Premier League this season and he does not look to have any sort of future at parent club City.
Pep Guardiola does not seem to rate the England star and could very well sanction a sale when the transfer window reopens.
Leeds to secure Phillips return regardless of league status
Daniel Farke’s side are in a brutal battle for promotion to the top flight and sit top with just eight matches left to play.
However, Sheffield United and Burnley are hunting them down and could overhaul the Elland Road outfit by the end of the season.
If that happens and the Whites are not promoted, it would not scupper a potential deal for Phillips to return to his boyhood club, according to Graeme Bailey.
Speaking to Leeds United News (20 March), the journalist said: “I firmly believe Phillips will return to Leeds.
“A loan deal would be appealing to them and fit in with their budget – whether that was Premier League or Championship.
“I fully expect Leeds to get promoted but even if they didn’t, I believe he will be at Elland Road next season.”
Phillips needs to return to Leeds to salvage career
Leeds need to upgrade their squad if they secure Premier League football next season, with last season’s promoted teams set to come straight back down.
The level between the divisions is at an all-time high and the Whites need to bridge it quickly with top-quality additions if they are to survive.
| Season | Club | PL appearances |
| 2022/23 | Manchester City | 12 |
| 2023/24 | Manchester City | 4 |
| 2023/24 | West Ham | 8 |
| 2024/25 | Ipswich Town | 16 |
Phillips’ Premier League appearances since leaving Leeds.
The 29-year-old would bring familiarity to Elland Road and Premier League quality given that he has made a further 40 appearances in the division since his move away, 16 with City and the rest on loans with West Ham and the Tractor Boys.
Phillips would be a great start to Farke’s business, considering the feel-good factor that it would bring and the top-level experience that he has.
If he can rediscover his best form at his boyhood club, he would be a real asset and could be the difference between long-term survival and the Peacocks being a one-season wonder.
Focus right now must remain on the remainder of the Championship season rather than transfer planning, but the latest update is an encouraging one for supporters.
