Kalvin Phillips gives Leeds United transfer admission after Ipswich Town move

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Kalvin Phillips Leeds United Ipswich Town badges
Jonathan Burnett

Kalvin Phillips admits he was not guaranteed to sign for Leeds United if they were promoted to the Premier League last season.

Speaking to the East Anglian Daily Times (21 November) Phillips said the choice between the Whites and Ipswich Town, who he joined on loan from Manchester City, would have been a “very close call”.

Phillips left Elland Road for the Etihad Stadium in 2022 but has since had loan spells at West Ham and now Ipswich, with Leeds’ lack of promotion last season ruling them out of the running.

He said: “I was devastated they didn’t go up – of course I wanted Leeds promoted. It’s a club very close to my heart.

“Even if Leeds had been promoted and Ipswich might have made it into the play-offs; it would still have been a very close call as to where I would have gone because I just love the history of Ipswich.

“During the period when a few teams showed interest, Leif (Davis) gave me a FaceTime every other day – it was a funny time, but it all worked out in the end.”

Kalvin Phillips will be hoping for Leeds United promotion

As a lifelong Leeds fan and native of the city, it is no surprise that Phillips wants to see the Peacocks back in the Premier League, but his desire for them to win promotion is likely to be double-edged.

Not only would a return to the top flight help United finally realize their potential as one of English football’s sleeping giants, it could also provide the 28-year-old with a path to reviving his career.

Calvin Phillips Ipswich Town
Kalvin Phillips has yet to really impress during his loan spell at Ipswich Town (Credit: Imago)

While Phillips’ interview suggests all is rosy at Portman Road, his performances so far suggest otherwise, with a red card costing the Tractor Boys three points against Leicester City earlier this month.

Having barely made an impact for Manchester City, his half-season stay at West Ham didn’t go much better and a return to Elland Road could be just what the midfielder needs to get back to his best.

It is undeniable that Phillips’ emergence as a leading player for club and country came with a resurgent Leeds side and if these two paths meet again, a homecoming could be perfect for both parties.

In other Leeds news, Phillips is not the only former Whites midfielder to discuss his exit from Elland Road in recent days.

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