Kalvin Phillips finds himself at a crossroads in his career, with calls for him to return to Leeds United from Manchester City this summer to reignite his form and secure consistent game time.
Former Leeds player Dom Matteo believes that Phillips must recapture the impressive form he displayed at Elland Road, which earned him a spot in the England squad.
Matteo stressed the importance of Phillips regaining his confidence and match fitness, elements he feels can be nurtured in an environment where fans rally behind him.
Speaking to Football League World [9 April], Matteo shared: “Kalvin Phillips was superb for Leeds, he gave everything and it showed in his performances which got him an England call-up and he became a hugely valuable member of the England squad.
“Since the move to Manchester City, Phillips hasn’t played a lot and this isn’t good for the type of player Phillips is. He needs to be playing regularly and this hasn’t been the case. It’s all well being part of the Manchester City set-up, but Phillips needs game time.
“The loan to West Ham isn’t going as he would have wished and a move back to Leeds United could be a welcome one, for him to regain his confidence, match fitness and be part of a team where the fans will be on his side when he puts in the type of performances he gave in his first spell.”
While Phillips had a loan spell at West Ham, it hasn’t yielded the desired results. Matteo suggests that a return to Leeds could offer Phillips the platform he needs to rediscover his best form.
Playing regularly in a familiar environment, where fans appreciate his efforts, could prove instrumental in Phillips regaining his confidence and match sharpness.
Talk of Phillips returning to Elland Road has gained momentum, with reports suggesting that Leeds are prepared to offer £30 million to secure his services if they secure promotion to the Premier League. This bid, while lower than the fee received for his sale, reflects Leeds’ desire to reintegrate Phillips into their squad.
Phillips’ potential return draws parallels to Wilfried Zaha’s resurgence at Crystal Palace after a challenging spell at Manchester United. Returning to a club where he is cherished could provide Phillips with the platform to rebuild his career and stake a claim for a place in the England setup once again.
As Phillips grapples with his future, the prospect of returning to Leeds offers him the opportunity for redemption and revival. Amidst struggles at Manchester City and West Ham, a return to familiar surroundings could be the catalyst for Phillips to reignite his career and reclaim his status as one of England’s brightest midfield talents.