Phil Hay believes that Kalvin Phillips will leave Elland Road if the Whites are not promoted this season.
Speaking in his live Q and A Hay said, “Realistically, he probably will go if Leeds don’t go up.” after being asked: “What are your thoughts on cashing in on Phillips now, knowing that he will probably go at the end of the season if we don’t go up?”.
If Leeds are not promoted will Phillips stay?
Yes
No
This is perhaps not a surprise as the 24-year-old has had Manchester United watching him this season, but it is just another reason why the Whites have to get promoted this year.
Phillips is arguably one of the Championship’s best midfielders and has proved that over the past year and a half.
He was linked with Aston Villa in the summer, but Leeds reportedly stuck a £30m valuation on Phillips, and he stayed at Elland Road and signed a new deal.
However, if Leeds do not return to the Premier League this season, they could find it hard to keep Phillips.
The 24-year-old, who is valued at £9.9m by Transfermarkt, has an average rating of 7.25 from WhoScored and has completed 81.2% of his passes as well as making on average two key passes per game.
On top of this, he has one goal and two assists this season and has received praise from pundits who think that he should be playing in the Premier League, and some even believe that he should be considered for England.
Leeds also might have to sell him to keep up with Financial Fair Play as they are obliged to pay £15m for Helder Costa and would need to find a way to offset that fee.
Phillips was born in Leeds and has supported the club all his life, but if the Whites were to have another season in the Championship, could he resist a move to the top-flight?