Scientific data on Kalvin Phillips may well have undervalued the Leeds United man following various claims about his future.
According to the CIES Football Observatory – a company which has developed a powerful econometric approach to assess the transfer value of professional footballers on a scientific basis – the 26-year-old currently has a value of between €15m-€20m (£12.5m-£16.6m).
This comes across as rather surprising, because everything would indicate that he is worth a lot more – not only to Marcelo Bielsa’s side, but whoever would want to buy him.
Indeed, Newcastle United are now being tipped as a potential destination for the midfielder.
Phillips has been described as the ‘lynchpin’ of the Leeds United side for what he brings to the side both in attack and defence. And it might just be a coincidence, but it is notable that Leeds’ showing this season, with the side just 15th in the table, has occurred as Phillips has been out with a long-term hamstring injury.
There were also reports that West Ham United were interested in making a £50m bid for him during this past January transfer window, so for his value to be that low with CIES does come across as rather surprising.
TIF Thoughts on Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips and his transfer value…
Would Kalvin Phillips keep Leeds up?
Yes!
No!
One thing that could be dragging Phillips’ value down is his record when it comes to injuries. Since entering the Premier League in 2020/21, he has missed 18 games and counting – the best part of half a season – with his latest lay-off still not set to end for another couple of weeks.
And if that is something that could become an issue for him moving forward in his career, it’s understandable why his value might be as low as what it is, as it’s not 100% certain that he’ll be able to be back to the same player that he was before his injury.
It will be interesting to see if his value will go up when he gets back to playing, though you imagine a lot of it will depend on if he’s able to get back to the way he was before his latest injury kicked in.
In other news: Less than Orta wants: Raphinha’s estimated value may surprise Leeds fans amid talks – opinion