Sheffield United reaction offered to Man City, Kalvin Phillips transfer news - 'it's knocked my socks off' | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit has given his verdict on the signing of Kalvin Phillips

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Sheffield United have secured the signing of Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City on loan for the remainder of the campaign.

The midfielder has joined following his struggle for game time under Pep Guardiola, and he will be seeking to get back to his best level after a difficult few years.

The 30-year-old has previously gone on loan to West Ham and Ipswich Town in recent seasons, but has been unable to recapture the kind of form that had him in the England squad for Euro 2020.

Phillips has now taken the step down to the Championship, having made no appearances in the Premier League in the first half of the season.

Chris Wilder will be hoping that the Man City player will be capable of helping the Blades’ pursuit of another top six finish in the league this term.

Chris Wilder can get the best out of Kalvin Phillips

When asked if the signing of Phillips is a real coup for the club, FLW’s Sheffield United fan pundit Jimmy expressed his shock at getting this deal over the line on deadline day.

He believes that Wilder has what it takes to get the midfielder back to his best based on the work done with Jairo Riedewald and Patrick Bamford in the last few months.

“Unbelievable signing for Sheffield United,” Jimmy told Football League World.

“It’s knocked my socks off, to be honest, I was not expecting it.

“A fit Kalvin Phillips is certainly a starter for Sheffield United.

“If Wilder can get him back to anywhere near like the level we’ve seen previously — which some may see as unlikely but you see the impact Patrick Bamford’s had coming in, Jairo Riedeweld, players of a certain level, he’s managed to get the best out of them.

“I’m really excited for this signing, really excited for it.

“I think it certainly improves us.

“Is it going to be enough? Time will tell.”

Sheffield United had a busy transfer deadline day with the deal to sign Phillips from Man City.

Joe Rothwell also joined the club from Rangers on a permanent basis, with Wilder looking to improve the team’s current position of 17th in the Championship table.

The gap to the play-offs is now 11 points, although the Blades have a game in hand on some of their play-off rivals.

Next up for Wilder’s team is a home clash against Oxford United this evening in a 7.45pm kick-off.

Kalvin Phillips signing has little downside and a lot of upside

Phillips hasn’t been the player he was for a number of years now, but bringing him on loan means there’s little risk to seeing what kind of level he can now get to.

The midfielder at his best could add a lot of defensive solidity, and would be more than capable of helping Sheffield United push for a play-off place.

While he has struggled in the Premier League during his two recent stints on loan with West Ham and Ipswich, he could still potentially compete in the Championship.

Working with Wilder might be his best chance to show what he can still bring, and if it works out well then it could even lead to a permanent move in the summer.