Kalvin Phillips’ spell at the Etihad Stadium has been a disaster for both the player and the club.
The Englishman’s stock plummeted after signing for Pep Guardiola’s men while for City, spending £42 million (The Athletic) to secure the midfielder’s services has been a poor investment.
Manchester City are ready to sell Phillips, which would be best for all parties involved ahead of the start of the 2025/2026 season.
As for Phillips, he fancies a return to Leeds United despite Crystal Palace, Fulham and Everton all being interested in his signature.
Kalvin Phillips’ move to Leeds United looks unlikely
It was at his boyhood club Leeds where Kalvin Phillips emerged as one of the best up-and-coming midfielders in the first place, prompting Manchester City to sign him in 2022.
So much so that Xavi lauded Phillips’ displays at Euro 2020 alongside Declan Rice in the middle of the park for England.
However, TEAMtalk have now reported that as the 29-year-old is currently nursing an Achilles injury, his move to Leeds looks unlikely, even though the former Elland Road hero is being targeted by Daniel Farke’s side.
But a move cannot be ruled out entirely due to Manchester City’s willingness for two reasons in particular.
- Manchester City’s desperation to sell Phillips this summer
- The player’s desire to re-sign for his former club
However, another worry for Manchester City outcast Phillips is that Leeds’ first-choice option to bolster their midfield is Strasbourg Habib Diarra while they have also set their sights on Sean Longstaff if Newcastle United decide to part ways with him.
How Man City have shown they are desperate to sell Kalvin Phillips
If the England international does end up staying at the Etihad Stadium, a third loan move after unconvincing stints at West Ham United and Ipswich Town could be in his destiny.
Manchester City handed Phillips’ shirt number to Tijjani Reijnders for the FIFA Club World Cup, which shows that they are ready to cut ties with him and let Leeds or any suitor sign him permanently.
As a result, City would be hoping that the Whites do not end up signing Diarra or Longstaff.
