Leeds United Want To Sign This Premier League Winning Midfielder: What Should City Do? | OneFootball

Manchester City have built a relentless dominance over the last decade. With dominnace in the Premier League in the last few seasons and squad brimming with talent, the club have raised the bar in England. But not all players find their place in such a competitive team.

There are names who arrive with high expectations and then disappear from the spotlight, and Kalvin Phillips is one of them. The English midfielder left Leeds United as a benchmark and arrived at the Etihad hoping to establish himself. However, his role has been minor. Opportunities have been scarce, minutes limited and loans inevitable. Now, his future demands a concrete decision.

Leeds United Want To Sign Manchester City Midfielder Kalvin Phillips

According to information from CaughtOffside, Leeds United are aiming to bring back Kalvin Phillips this summer. The club have already returned to the Premier League and see him as an experienced reinforcement.

Although the player is also willing to listen to other offers, Leeds are a priority option. Everton, Fulham and Crystal Palace are also interested. Meanwhile, Ipswich Town, where he played on loan, have reportedly ruled out a permanent move following their relegation. Phillips, at 29, is looking for stability and a starring role. There are no advanced talks yet, but the Englishman’s departure from Manchester City is expected to be resolved soon.

JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 21: Kalvin Phillips of Manchester City during a Manchester City training session ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia 2023 at King Abdullah Sports City on December 21, 2023 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

Manchester City should act calmly but also with gratitude. Phillips never generated noise. He accepted his role, he was professional, but Guardiola’s system did not need him. While Leeds seem the most natural destination, the ideal scenario for the player would be a project where he can play every week without being burdened with disproportionate expectations.

What Should City Do?

Leeds could offer him that, although the challenge of staying in the top flight complicates the environment. On the other hand, a team like Fulham, more established in the Premier League, could offer him minutes with less pressure.

From City’s point of view, selling him to a club in the lower mid-table do not represent a sporting risk. Moreover, recouping part of the investment would help to balance the books in the face of financial fair play. To loan the Englishman again would be to prolong the inevitable.

From another point of view, Phillips could use this situation to redefine his style. No longer as an anchor midfielder, but as a more dynamic midfielder, even in double pivot systems. That flexibility could be the key to his redemption. City have to close this stage with respect and without hindrance, as the player deserves it. The club will lose nothing by releasing a player who was never an important midfielder for them.