I believe Leeds United is now considered the “ideal” destination for unwanted players. Journalist: Manchester City spectacular ace
Leeds’ status in the Premier League always looked like it could be in doubt after the club sold Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha, and that proved to be the case as their replacements were not good enough.
You’d be forgiven for thinking Phillips was having a good time at Manchester City if you just looked at the trophy haul from last season, but his £45million Leeds exit hasn’t gone at all to plan.
Will Phillips leave Man City?
A fitting summary of how Phillips has been virtually a non-presence under Pep Guardiola is that he actually has just one less winners’ medal (four) for them than he has competitive starts (five) in a City shirt.
The i Newspaper have reported as a result that if the 27-year-old’s game time doesn’t improve in the coming months, then a loan move could be on the cards.
Amongst the clubs interested are said to be Newcastle United, who are currently in the Champions League alongside Man City, having battered PSG last time out in the competition.
Could Leeds sign him?
Leeds fans have discussed the concept of having Phillips back and whether he would be accepted back as a good signing, and Daily Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards believes that the player would be receptive of such an opportunity.
Speaking on BBC’s Football Gossip Daily, Edwards said this about the England midfielder:
“Everton definitely would be [interested]. Would he want to go to Everton? I think if he had his ideal move, he’d probably go back to Leeds. I mean he’s a massive Leeds United supporter, he left on really good terms when he left Elland Road.
“I think he’s still in touch with people there, but Leeds are obviously in the Championship. Even Gareth Southgate might baulk at picking a player who’s starting in the Championship every week over a player who’s starting every week in the Premier League.”
Who should start next to Ampadu
Phillips to Leeds is not going to happen, especially if we’re in the Championship as we are right now.
The only way we could sign him under Daniel Farke is if we’re in the Premier League and played him as more of a number eight that can press high.
His role as a quarterback to stretch the play seems quite redundant at Man City, and the fact that his only noticeable performances are coming for England is worrying.
If he is available, there won’t be a shortage of top-flight clubs who would take him.
