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Leeds’ Bid to Re-Sign Kalvin Phillips This Summer
Recent reports have suggested that Kalvin Phillips could make a return to Leeds United this summer, regardless of whether the club earns promotion from the Championship.
Journalist Graeme Bailey told Leeds United News that he is “firmly convinced” the 29-year-old will be heading back to his boyhood club in the upcoming transfer window, believing that a return to familiar surroundings could help get Phillips’ career back on track.
However, negotiations with Manchester City will be necessary, whether the move is permanent or on loan, as the midfielder has a release price of around £20m.
This could prove too costly for Leeds if they fail to secure promotion, which could open the door for a potential loan deal.
A compromise would also need to be reached regarding his hefty £150k-per-week wages.
If Leeds are unable to meet the asking price, manager Daniel Farke might turn to the academy, where there is a promising young player who could follow in Phillips’ footsteps and flourish with more first-team minutes.
The Leeds Teenager Who Could Be the Next Kalvin Phillips
Leeds’ academy has been crucial to the club’s success in recent years, with Phillips and fellow academy product Archie Gray playing pivotal roles.
Gray, for example, joined Tottenham Hotspur in a £40m move after impressing under Farke’s guidance. In total, Phillips and Gray’s departures netted the club £85m.
But Leeds may soon have another rising star ready to step into the spotlight: 17-year-old midfielder Ollie Pickles.
Despite not yet making a senior appearance, Pickles has shone at youth level, playing 22 games across various age groups this season and impressing with his dynamic, box-to-box style of play.
With five goals and two assists to his name, Pickles has earned rave reviews, with one analyst describing him as having “immense potential.”
Both Spurs and Newcastle United have shown interest in the young talent, but Leeds has managed to fend off any approaches so far.
Pickles could be the player to step into Phillips’ role, potentially excelling in a deeper midfield position similar to how Phillips did under Marcelo Bielsa.
While many Leeds fans would love to see Phillips return to Elland Road this summer, it may not be the most financially responsible move, especially given the club’s recent progress.
The academy has proven time and again that it can produce top talent, and Farke might be wise to place his faith in players like Pickles, who could follow in Phillips’ footsteps, thrive in Yorkshire, and potentially generate a significant profit for the club in the future.
