Kalvin Phillips made his debut for boyhood club Leeds United during the 2014/15 season, scoring in his second appearance for the club, before becoming a fan favourite in the years after, with over 200 games for the club.
He cemented himself as an England international as he helped the club gain promotion back to the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa, leading to his move to the Etihad. However, his £42 million has so far not worked out, and has seen limited game time in the first 18 months since the England international moved to the Premier League champions.
Now, with Euro 2024 fast approaching, the 28-year-old was allowed to depart the Etihad Stadium for West Ham United in January.
However, his move to the Hammers hasn’t been able to revive his career, with his performance against Newcastle United over the weekend being heavily criticised after Phillips was brought on to provide extra solidity when his side were 3-1 up, but they lost 4-3 against the Magpies in the end, with Phillips handing the home side a penalty in the process.
After the defeat, he was caught making an offensive gesture to angry away supporters, who had plenty to say to him as he was getting on the team coach. Phillips’ time under David Moyes had already been difficult prior to that, with a red card picked up against Nottingham Forest and a major mistake that gifted Bournemouth a goal during a recent 1-1 draw as well.
Unsurprisingly, the holding midfielder was omitted from Gareth Southgate’s squad for the March internationals. Since then, it has been reported by Give Me Sport that a return to West Yorkshire this summer could be a possible next step in his career if the club is promoted to the Premier League.
Phillips enjoyed the most successful period of his career in West Yorkshire, having come through the ranks of the club’s academy system. A return could be of benefit to him in his home surroundings, but here, we take a look at all the latest news and rumours surrounding his future.
£30 million Kalvin Phillips price tag set:
Leeds believe Manchester City would sell Kalvin Phillips for around £30 million, according to a report from The Sun.
With the player still having plenty of time left on his deal, they may be able to secure a decent amount for his signature, although recent performances are likely to bring his price tag down from that £42 million paid to Leeds initially.
His former side remain keen on the midfielder and believe £30 million could be enough for him to seal a reunion with plenty of familiar faces at Elland Road, although it is only likely to happen in the summer if the Whites are promoted at the end of the 2023/24 campaign.
Carlton Palmer’s wage warning:
Ex-England international and former Leeds man Carlton Palmer believes finances, and, in particular, wages could be the biggest issue with regards to completing a deal.
Speaking to Football League World, he said: “Kalvin Phillips’ unhappy time at West Ham continued after giving away a penalty against Newcastle, in what was a devastating defeat for West Ham after being 3-2 up.
“It’s just been an unhappy time for him since his move away from Man City, as I have said previously.
“I thought it was the wrong move at the time. Financially, it’s worked out for him, but from a personal and football point of view? It’s been a waste of nearly two years of his playing career.
“Leeds are now considering swooping for him. If they can get him for reasonable money, I still think his salary would be a problem.
“Although, he had a fantastic time at Leeds, and I don’t think it’s a case that the heart would rule the head over this, because Phillips is still a very good player.
“He’s full of energy and industry, and maybe he needs to go back to where he played his best football and got his call-up to the England squad.
“It’s a shame for Kalvin being bang out of form and not playing well at West Ham. It’s likely that he’s going to sit out on going to the Euros, and that’s what happens when you make the wrong decision to go to a football club.
“I get it from a financial point of view, but he was never going to play regularly at Man City, or enough to make it worth his while.
“If you’re not getting game time, which is what he hasn’t got, he’s gone to West Ham and tried to pick it up and it just hasn’t happened for him.
“As for Leeds: it would be a good move for both parties if it works financially.”
Transfer insider Dean Jones believes Phillips would consider a return to Leeds this summer, speaking to Give Me Sport.
He said: “It’s been a worrying decline for Phillips and to go from England Player of the year a few years ago to sticking a finger up to fans while having