Kalvin Phillips has completed a loan move from Manchester City to Sheffield United for the remainder of the season.
The 30-year-old midfielder has only played seven minutes of football in City’s Carabao Cup this season.
Sky Sports News was told there was interest from other clubs, but Phillips was keen to return to Yorkshire in a bid to rejuvenate his career.
Phillips played for Leeds for eight years, making 214 appearances before moving to Manchester City in 2022 for £42m.
He was part of the side that won the treble in his first season at the club, but only made 21 appearances in all competitions and 12 in the Premier League.
He made a total of 32 appearances for City and spent part of the final two seasons on loan at West Ham and then Premier League side Ipswich. His last appearance in the Championship for Leeds was in 2020.
Phillips has also won 31 caps for England and was a key member of the team that reached the final of Euro 2020. However, his most recent cap date is in 2023.
City are thought to be paying the majority of Phillips’ wages while he remains on loan at Bramall Lane.
Mr Redknapp: Mr Phillips wants to put himself at risk.
Jamie Redknapp of Sky Sports:
“It’s a shame because one wrong move could put everything in jeopardy. He could have gone somewhere else and become a regular starter.
“He went head-to-head against Rodri and Manchester City, he didn’t win that battle and then all of a sudden he’s a bit lost.
“He played in some cup games, but he didn’t play well and the team lost.Soon the manager loses a little bit of faith in you.
“He wants to play, which is good. He wants to put himself on the line and play for Sheffield United. I hope it works out.”
Analysis: Phillips to Sheff United could be the catalyst for a career rebuild
Ben Ransom of Sky Sports News said:
“It didn’t work out for Kalvin Phillips at Man City and falling to the Championship could be the move that finally allows him to rebuild his career.
“Going back to the summer of 2022, he was one of two Leeds boys Man City signed for a similar transfer fee, the other being Erling Haaland. I spoke to both of them on the club’s pre-season tour of the US that year and they were both excited about what the future held.”
“Twelve months on, both celebrating historic trebles, their career paths could not have gone in more different directions. Haaland was an integral part, while Phillips was largely inactive.”
“Despite his popularity within the group, Phillips was unable to win the trust of Josep Guardiola and surprisingly started just six competitive matches for City.
“Failed loan spells at West Ham and Ipswich were false starts and we hope a return to Yorkshire will be the catalyst to revive his career.”
