Sheffield United renew interest in out-of-favour Manchester City midfielder as Enzo Maresca era looms | OneFootball

Sheffield United are keen on re-signing Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips for next season after his recent loan spell at Bramall Lane, as per reports.

The 30-year-old joined Manchester City from Leeds United for £42 million in 2022 and while his arrival at the Etihad Stadium came with great expectations, he struggled for form, fitness, and regular game time under Pep Guardiola.

After struggling to shine in the challenging number six pivot role amid injury issues at City, Phillips made a loan move to West Ham in January 2024 to revitalise his club career in the period leading to the European Championship.

The Englishman spent the 2024-25 campaign on loan at Ipswich Town, suffering relegation from the Premier League to add a further twist to a topsy-turvy career since he left boyhood club Leeds.

While another injury last summer prevented a loan, Phillips made a brief return to action for Manchester City, featuring in their 2-0 away win over Huddersfield in the Carabao Cup in September 2025 – marking his first appearance for the Blues in 645 days – before joining Sheffield United on loan in January.

Report: Blades boss Chris Wilder ‘long-term admirer’ of Phillips

Following his loan switch to Bramall Lane, Phillips was able to make only three appearances for Sheffield United in the EFL Championship before suffering an injury in the Steel City derby against Sheffield Wednesday on February 22, which abruptly ended his season.

However, despite his loan tenure being cut short, it appears the Blades have been impressed with Phillips as head coach Chris Wilder remains interested in re-signing the midfielder ahead of the upcoming campaign, according to The Sheffield Star.

Speaking ahead of the end of the recent season, Wilder admitted that Sheffield United would “love to be an option” for Phillips as he navigates his options for the 2026-27 season.

Wilder said: “He’ll have a lot of people still after him. We’ve brought a really good pro in. He was unlucky with his injury and he’s not played as much as he wanted to play.

“I spoke to him and said that we’d love to be an option for you, your agent and your parent club – if that is a possibility.

“He certainly ticks the box in terms of personality and characteristics, off the pitch and on it. If there’s an opportunity, I’m sure we’ll try and explore that one.”

The report also mentioned that the Blades’ interest in Phillips was a ‘major factor’ in their decision to let go of Jairo Riedewald, who joined the club from Belgian side Royal Antwerp in October last year on a short-term deal initially valid till January.

In December 2025, his contract was extended until the end of the campaign, with the option to push it further. In April, Sheffield United announced that the Dutchman would depart the club upon the expiry of his contract at the end of June.

Given his impressive stint during which he registered three goals in 26 matches across competitions, the Blades’ opting out of retaining Riedewald came as a surprise to most, including the player, reportedly, especially following previous indications that anticipated his one-year contract option would be taken up by the club.

Sheffield United’s decision on Riedewald also raised eyebrows as the 29-year-old has more of a proven record than Phillips and his limited game time, along with the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Manchester City star.

Will Man City want to part ways with Phillips this summer?

While Phillips was unable to establish himself as a key player under Guardiola, along with a tough luck with injuries, things could turn around for the midfielder with the Catalan coach’s recent departure from the Etihad Stadium after an illustrious decade.

Now, with the appointment of a new manager, widely speculated to be Enzo Maresca, Phillips may get a chance to make a fresh start at Manchester City – albeit being very unlikely at present.

Maresca and Phillips have previously worked together at City during the Italian’s spell as Guardiola’s assistant.

The aforementioned report suggested that Sheffield United do not expect Guardiola’s exit to significantly impact their pursuit of the Yorkshire star in the upcoming transfer window.

Phillips, who has registered only 32 appearances and netted a sole goal for City, has two more years left on his current contract at the Etihad Stadium.

Despite their heavy interest, a permanent deal for the midfielder could be out of budget for Sheffield United, considering his high wages, leading to the Blades potentially pushing for another loan deal this summer.

With City being linked to several new signings to bolster their midfield for the 2026-27 campaign and their willingness in the past to subsidise Phillips’ salary to ensure he receives regular first-team football, another loan stint at Bramall Lane appears to be a real possibility.