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“From HERO to FLOP at new club”- Former Leeds United hero labelled as ‘biggest faller’ at new club after disastrous start
Of all the names that have shone in the Marcelo Bielsa era at Leeds United, one has fallen from grace far more powerfully than most and this season is certainly not going to be any easier for him.
The 2019/20 season, in which Leeds United were promoted under the leadership of Marcelo Bielsa, remains a historic moment for the club. After almost five years, Daniel Farke is trying to repeat that achievement as Leeds are currently 1st in the Championship standings.
Last time out, Leeds drew 1-1 against Blackburn Rovers. For Farke, the selection of midfield players has been a bit difficult recently as he has had to juggle Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka.
A few years ago, it was Kalvin Phillips who was pulling the strings. Phillips completed a dream transfer to Manchester City in 2022, but has struggled since, making just 16 Premier League appearances for City, with loan spells at West Ham and Ipswich Town.
Calvin Phillips’ fresh verdict at Ipswich Town makes grim reading
Ever since Phillips began his struggles with Elland Road, there have been reports linking Leeds United with Phillips’ transfer. And the door could be open for Phillips to return to Leeds in 2025, with City likely to permanently sever ties with the player.
Ipswich also seem unlikely to push for a permanent deal. The 29-year-old Phillips has made ten Premier League appearances, scoring no goals or assists, and has made just one appearance in the Tractor Boys’ last six games.
In assessing all of the club’s summer signings, the Eastern Daily Press labelled Phillips the “biggest faller” on Ipswich’s list of summer signings, while reporter Mark Heath rated the former England international very poorly.
He wrote: “It’s probably no surprise that Phillips is the biggest faller on this list, which speaks for itself.
“The idea that a 31-man England international with that pedigree would only be ranked ninth in a list of 12 signings seemed silly in September, but here we are.
“In reality, it hasn’t happened to Phillips yet. After slowly working his way into the starting eleven alongside [Sam] Morsy, I thought he looked excellent in the thrilling 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.
“Then came the red card against Leicester and the ankle injury, which means we’ve only seen him three times since the beginning of November.”
Heath concluded, “Phillips still has time to shine at City but he needs to stay healthy and earn himself a good run of games. I hope he can do both.”
Kalvin Phillips wants to return to Leeds United
Earlier in the season, Phillips revealed that he was at the Championship play-off final, where Leeds lost to Southampton, and that he was disappointed with the result.
Phillips then revealed whether he would return to Leeds United if they were promoted.
He said: “In that case, it would be a good decision to go to Liverpool. “Even if Leeds got promoted and Ipswich maybe got into the play-offs, it would still be very tight as to where I would go because I like the Ipswich story very much.
“The more I studied the team, the manager and the rebuilding of the club, the more I liked them.”
It would certainly be an emotional return for Phillips, and if Leeds are promoted this season it would be a move that would make sense for all concerned. Time will tell whether Phillips will return to Elland Road.
