With a possible instant return to the Premier League on the horizon, Leeds United are being linked with an inevitable move for Kalvin Phillips – as he continues to struggle on loan at West Ham United.
The 28-year-old left Manchester City in January on loan to join The Hammers – after just 31 outings in 18 months for Pep Guardiola’s side. But his lack of game time has made the England man incredibly rusty.
Mistakes against Bournemouth and Manchester United have seen Phillips lose his place in the Hammers side – and the Englsand team, ahead of Euro 2024. Phillips needs to rediscover his Leeds United form.
The kind of performances and consistency that earned him a place in England’s side when shining for Leeds under Marcelo Bielsa. It might take a return to Leeds for him to win back that level of performance.
Signing Kalvin Phillips is bad news for Pascal Struijk at Leeds
Leeds are being linked with a move to bring him back – and it is claimed Man City are open to his exit, but want to recoup as much as possible from their £42m outlay. But, they will know his value has reduced.
With promotion a real possibility and Phillips slowly moving down the Premier League, a return to Elland Road looks all the more plausible. But does he fit into Daniel Farke’s side, or is there even room for him?
Phillips would be a wonderful signing. The“unbelievable” star instantly improves this Leeds side. Even if it takes him a few weeks to get back up to speed. It would mean Ilia Gruev probably drops to the bench.
It would also mean that Ethan Ampadu would likely remain in defence – which in turn would see Pascal Strijk drop out of the Leeds side. Struijk is currently injured, and possibly out injured until the summer.
Is a deal worth it for Phillips – given how much it would cost?
It is unclear if Daniel Farke would bring Struijk back into the side, when he is fit again. Does he keep Gruev in midfield and use Ampadu in defence? Or, does Ampadu move back into midfield for the Bulgarian?
Well, if Phillips is an option in midfield, then Ampadu does not get back into the holding midfield role above the England star – but he is too good not to play. It means he is cemented in his defensive role.
So, signing Phillips at Leeds would mean Ampadu becomes nailed on in defence as he’s no longer required in midfield, meaning Struijk is no longer considered first choice. He drops out of the Leeds side.
But, signing him would be expensive and the only way we can strike a deal is by landing the midfielder on loan. Even then, a portion of his wages will be enormous. Leeds may feel there is better value elsewhere.