Journalist Dean Jones has claimed that Kalvin Phillips could be set for an exit at Elland Road if there aren’t significant changes at the club.
Kalvin Phillips has been sidelined due to injury for a large period of this season, having featured just 12 times in the Premier League, and is yet to make an appearance this year for his side despite being in the squad against Wolves in their recent fixture.
Leeds lack strength in depth in the middle of midfield and have had to play Robin Koch there when his natural position is a central defender. The lack of depth has also meant playing players who have been out of form at times, such as Mateusz Klich, whose performances haven’t reached the heights of what he has shown previously. Lewis Bate has also been on the substitute bench a number of times for the Yorkshire club.
Leeds failed to invest in January under former boss Marcelo Bielsa, and Dean Jones spoke to GIVEMESPORT saying that if the Whites don’t invest further then that could lead to an exit for Phillips.
“I think unless there is a significant investment in the squad and in terms of the package they’re willing to offer him, it’s still not looking good for him,” Jones said.
TIF Thoughts on Dean Jones’ comments…
Losing Kalvin Phillips to injury was a huge loss for Leeds this season. Last campaign the Yorkshire midfielder made 29 appearances, had a passing accuracy average of 85% per game and an average of 2.6 tackles per game, as per Sofascore. This season he still finds himself ranking inside the top 10 for player ratings despite missing large parts, as well as averaging 2.3 tackles per game, 1.2 interceptions and one clearance per game, which shows his importance on the defensive side of things. Also, his ability to pick out a long pass and get attacks started is also something that Leeds could do with as he averages 3.5 long balls per game and is in the top three for average passes per game.
Phillips could be offered a new bolster contract at Elland Road in the summer, but this may not be enough to keep him at the club if the owners continue to not show any ambition by investing with new players. Phillips was a star performer at EURO 2020, and this caused a lot of attraction from bigger clubs, so if the interest is still there in the summer then he may opt for a move.