One of the best players Leeds United has produced in recent years is Kalvin Phillips, but the midfielder has had difficulty since leaving Elland Road to play for West Ham United and Manchester City.
Kalvin Phillips was a major factor in Leeds United’s promotion to the Championship and subsequent stellar performance in the Premier League during a single season.
Phillips improved and elevated his game under Marcelo Bielsa, the head coach of Leeds at the time.
When the 28-year-old moved from Leeds to Manchester City in the summer of 2022, there were high expectations for him because he was a force to be reckoned with.
In the January transfer window, the England international midfielder went on loan to West Ham United after failing to make an impression at City.
Phillips’ performance at London Stadium has been lacking. The midfield player has appeared for the Hammers as a substitute twice in the UEFA Europa League and has made three starts in the Premier League.
Stan Collymore discusses Kalvin Phillips, a former Leeds United player.
Stan Collymore, a former striker for Liverpool and England, has stated that Phillips made a mistake by moving from Leeds to City.
“I don’t think anyone is really surprised the 28-year-old hasn’t been included in the Three Lions’ latest squad,” Collymore wrote about Phillips in CaughtOffside. Ever since he joined West Ham at the beginning of the season, his form has drastically declined. He’s been having the worst nightmare.
“The on-loan A midfielder for Manchester City is live evidence that sometimes it’s not the best idea to accept moves. Was it really worth it? I’m sure he made a ton of money moving from Leeds to City, and he has a token treble, but there’s no way he’ll make it back into that England squad in time for the summer Euros.
What is it that he would prefer? — A trip to win three winners’ medals for which he made little contribution, or the opportunity to play for England and maybe bring home the nation’s first significant international trophy since 1966?
My Opinion: Kalvin Phillips made the proper decision to join Manchester City from Leeds United
I think Kalvin Phillips made the right decision in the summer of 2022 to go from Leeds United to Manchester City.
The England international midfielder, who was earning £165,000 a week (SalarySport), was having a good season for Leeds at the time. He did appear to have the makings of a City star.
Moving to City from Leeds was also an advancement. The Citizens have a chance to win the treble for the second consecutive season, while the Whites are currently participating in the Championship.
Yes, Phillips’s attempt to succeed at a significantly more competitive squad has not been successful, but I still applaud him for leaving Leeds.
