Man City very rarely get it wrong when it comes to the transfer market.
Despite having plenty of money, Manchester club’s success has been based on recruiting smartly, which was evident during the January transfer window as Man City brought in Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez and Abdukodir Khusanov, who have all played their part since their arrival.
Therefore, it is somewhat of a shock when City get things wrong, with Jack Grealish arguably falling into this category having failed to impress outside of the 2022/23 campaign.
Grealish has been encouraged to leave Man City this summer and the Englishman may not be the only one as another failed Man City transfer looks certain to exit out of the Etihad Stadium.
Kalvin Phillips told he is not good enough for Leeds United
Having impressed in the Premier League throughout the 2021/22 with Leeds, Man City made the decision to sign Kalvin Phillips as part of a £42m deal and it is fair to say, it is a transfer that has not worked out for the Manchester club.
The midfielder has been linked with a return to the Yorkshire club in recent weeks, however, it was reported that Leeds have no plans to bring Phillips back to Elland Road.
Having secured promotion to the Premier League this week, rumours are likely to start up again and speaking on the Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet: Leeds United podcast, former Whites star Eddie Gray does not want to see the 29-year-old return to the club.
“I wouldn’t have him back,” Gray said about Phillips. “I mean, Kalvin did well for Leeds. But as soon as he went to Man City, he was never going to get a game. Never.
“There’s a different level and quality for playing Championship football and playing at the highest level. I mean, one of the greatest managers is Pep Guardiola. I’d like to know what he thought when he first saw Kalvin playing in a training pitch against his players.
“Kalvin was a good championship player, a great player. No, I’m not saying that. I’m not being critical of Kalvin, you’re right, but I could still get the ball and go out and pass it five yards. Did you ever see him having a shot at goal?
“I know his time at Leeds, one, a free kick. But I mean, in general play, in general play, you know, like, how would you compare Kalvin to A Declan Rice?”
What’s next for Kalvin Phillips at Man City?
Phillips has not been in contact much with Man City this season as the Englishman is currently on loan at Ipswich Town, where he has failed to impress across the 29 games he has featured in.
With the Tractor Boys set to be relegated from the Premier League, they are unlikely to make Phillips’ loan move permanent, which leaves the midfielder’s future in limbo.
Leeds would have been the dream for the 29-year-old, but that now looks unlikely to happen. The Man City loanee just doesn’t seem cut out for the Premier League anymore and what could be best for his career is a move abroad, which has worked out for several other stars.
