Why Leeds must keep hold of Kalvin Phillips amidst Wolves interest
According to Football Insider (h/t The Express), Wolves are plotting a move for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips in the summer.
The report suggests that the Championship side already rejected a bid from Wolves for Phillips last month. But the Midlands club are still interested and want to lure him in the summer, despite the midfielder signing a five-year deal with the Whites last September, as per Football Insider (h/t The Express).
Phillips, 24, came through Wortley Juniors and Leeds’ youth ranks. He was promoted to the first team back in 2015 and since then, he has been a consistent member. He has made 172 appearances for the club and, in the process, has scored 11 goals and provided 10 assists.
Meanwhile, Marcelo Bielsa’s men have faltered in recent weeks. Bielsa has his work cut out as far as securing automatic promotion is concerned. If he succeeds, he would need enough quality players in the squad.
Leeds have just three defensive midfielders in their ranks in Ouasim Bouy, Jordan Stevens and Kalvin Phillips. Buoy returned from a loan spell last summer but hasn’t featured in a single game for the Whites.
Stevens has made 3 appearances in the Championship but is too young to be depended upon regularly. And only Phillips has featured consistently in the middle of the park for Leeds. In 31 games across all competitions, he has scored one and assisted twice.
Therefore, Bielsa must avoid any kind of temptation from the Premier League for Phillips and keep him at the club for as long as possible.
The 24-year-old is a key member in the squad and is the only defensive midfielder with enough experience within the team. Predominantly a deep-lying midfielder, Phillips is capable of playing in an advanced role and his two assists are proof that he can contribute to the team’s attack.
He has also featured as a centre-back on several occasions and his versatility would be a huge benefit. And if they allow him to leave, Leeds would find it difficult to replace him.
Read more
- Why Claudio Bravo would be a good addition to Leeds United squad
- Why Leeds signing Jack Harrison permanently would be a smart move
- Why Leeds United’s done deal for Jean-Kevin Augustin is a good move
Verdict
Phillips has been a crucial member over the last four seasons for the Whites. Therefore, Leeds should reject any offer for him in the summer.
