Kieran McKenna answers Kalvin Phillips transfer question as Leeds United watch on
Kieran McKenna Casts Doubt on Kalvin Phillips’ Return for Season Run-In but Open to Future Ipswich Move
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has admitted it’s unlikely that on-loan Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips will feature again this season in the Premier League, though he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of a return to Portman Road next campaign.
The 29-year-old’s stint with Ipswich has been heavily disrupted by injuries, including a recent Achilles issue that’s expected to sideline him for the final fixtures against Leicester City and West Ham United.
Despite managing just 14 Premier League starts due to fitness concerns, McKenna praised Phillips for his efforts and attitude since arriving at the club.
“He came in after barely playing in the previous couple of seasons—if he had been more active, we probably wouldn’t have had the chance to sign him,” McKenna explained during a press conference.
“He integrated well and had a relatively stable run of games early on while trying to rediscover his top form.
Around the Tottenham match, he was hitting a good level, but then picked up a nasty foot injury that required stitches and kept him out for a while.”
Although Phillips was able to return to the squad briefly, he struggled to regain full fitness and has since developed an Achilles problem that has kept him out again.
“It’s frustrating for him and for us. We haven’t been able to get the best out of him, and a fully fit, confident Kalvin would have been a real asset this season,” McKenna added.
As Ipswich prepare for an immediate return to the Championship, McKenna said future squad plans—including the fate of loan players like Phillips—will be addressed after the season concludes.
“For now, the focus is on finishing the season strong. Conversations about next year will begin next week or shortly after the final game,” he said.
Phillips, a former Leeds United fan favorite, has been regularly linked with a move back to Elland Road over the past year.
With Leeds expected to reinforce their midfield this summer—especially after Joe Rothwell’s loan from Bournemouth ended—a potential reunion with Phillips remains a topic of interest.
