After a difficult end to a disruptive season for Leeds United midfield linchpin Kalvin Phillips, he now has the opportunity to move to a Champions League club, but the question is: Will they want him?
He has been constantly linked with a host of big-money Premier League clubs with Liverpool, Aston Villa and both Manchester clubs all being viewed as potential routes out of Elland Road.
Erling Haaland’s arrival is part of what promises to be a busy summer at City. With Brazilian Fernandinho, 37, leaving, manager Pep Guardiola is set to take the opportunity to bolster his squad.
He is looking at central midfield as an area that needs strengthening, with the 26-year-old Phillips – named in the latest England squad – one of the players of interest.
Man City expected to pursue deal for Kalvin Phillips over the coming weeks https://t.co/1bBHXMPOHm
— Jack Gaughan (@Jack_Gaughan) May 23, 2022
Is a move away from Leeds United likely for Kalvin Phillips?
Phillips will be looking for regular game time in the run up to the World Cup in Qatar in November, and the question remains whether he will be given it by Pep Guardiola, let alone slip straight into the starting eleven.
A move to the other side of Manchester is unlikely as in previous interviews to national media he has reiterated his desire to remain at the club being a local lad (born in the city) and joining the academy aged 14.
Alan Smith moved to Old Trafford in 2004 and his career was hampered by injury, with Rio Ferdinand being the only successful player transfer between the two clubs.
However, this was back during a time where Leeds’ finances were in an unstable position, fortunately now, however, they are in a better position under current chairman Andrea Radrizanni.
He has every right to want to dream and want to win medals, after all that is what a successful career comes down to at the end of the day.
Additionally, if the club receives a huge offer that completely blows them out of the water, then they will have no choice.
One-club players are very far and few between these days and I think he will want to stay at the club in order to keep his place in the England team under Gareth Southgate.