Sheffield United closing in on transfer deal for 31-cap international | OneFootball

Sheffield United and Man City have been discussing the future of Kalvin Phillips after playing three games for the Blades in 2025/26...

Former Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips has been linked with a return to Sheffield United, with the midfielder playing in just three games for Chris Wilder's side after arriving on loan from Manchester City in January.

It's been a difficult time for him since crossing the Pennines from Leeds United to Man City, with Phillips playing 32 games in four years and instead joining Ipswich Town and West Ham United on loan before his stint at Bramall Lane in January.

After a red card in Sheffield United's derby clash at Bramall Lane with Sheffield Wednesday, he was not seen again for the Blades. Injuries and fitness problems have prevented the 30-year-old from returning to action. However, that hasn't stopped Chris Wilder from wanting another reunion in South Yorkshire.

Per the BBC, Phillips once cost £45 million to leave Leeds. He also racked up 31 appearances in three years with England, including starting the final of Euro 2020 against Italy in 2021 at Wembley. Powerful and combative at his best, Wilder was hoping to get far more out of Phillips in January and beyond.

Sheffield United close in on Kalvin Phillips deal with Man City

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Sheffield United have been tipped to re-sign Phillips from Man City again this summer, but further details have emerged regarding his future in Manchester, even with Pep Guardiola departing the club in the summer.

Man City could yet sanction another loan for Phillips with the Blades always likely to be one of the most interested clubs in that event. Phillips has two years remaining on his deal with the club. At 30, the Championship should be beneath his level, but Phillips has only played 67 club games since leaving Leeds four years ago.

A potential stumbling block could be that Phillips' Man City wages are huge by Championship standards, meaning any deal for 2026/27 would likely require significant financial commitment and carry a degree of risk. He would have to come in as a top earner at Bramall Lane, even if he takes another pay cut.

It appears as though they have made significant progress, though.

Journalist Pete O'Rourke is reporting the latest information that Sheffield United are in advanced talks to bring Phillips back to the club on loan. He adds that United are confident of the move with the player happy to rejoin.

Kalvin Phillips should be one of the Championship's best players in 2026/27

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Phillips playing Championship football at the age of 30/31 next season is a real shame when considering the trajectory his career once appeared to be on. After emerging as one of the best midfielders in the country at Leeds, earning a big-money move, and becoming a key player for England, few would have predicted this outcome.

Of course, a lack of regular football, difficult loan spells, and lost momentum have all contributed to a disappointing decline for someone who shone under Marcelo Bielsa. That said, Sheffield United could have a genuine coup on their hands if they can help Phillips rediscover even half of the player he once was as a midfield enforcer and general.

At his peak, he was one of the Championship's standout performers and an England international. If he can regain confidence and rhythm through regular minutes, he could become one of the division's most influential midfielders and a major asset in the Blades' promotion push.

It's a tough-looking division in 2026/27 and the Blades are without parachute payments, but that's why Phillips' quality, physicality, and experience could be of huge benefit. Keeping him fit will be half the problem, and he needs a successful pre-season, but the deal is certainly high risk and very high reward on paper.