When Phillips was brought to Man City in 2022, he was among the Premier League’s highest-rated young midfielders. The Leeds academy product had already struggled with injuries, but it was hoped that his qualities would show at the Premier League champions. In his first season, a shoulder injury kept Phillips out for three months, and he only played 12 Premier League games. In his second season, Pep Guardiola seemed to have lost all faith in him, Phillips was sent on loan to West Ham and Ipswich to get playing time, but without success. Now Chris Wilder and the gang have opened the door for the 30-year-old.
Phillips spent the second half of last season at Sheffield United, but only played four games across all competitions after he was ruled out with a knee injury. However, coach Chris Wilder has given the green light to sign the midfielder again, in a bid to get his team up to the Championship.
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Wants Calvin Phillips back to Sheffield United
Phillips is still under contract at Man City until 2028, and has still only made 32 appearances for the club since his £42m move from Leeds United four years ago.
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We loved Phillips in the Leeds shirt, and former England manager Gareth Southgate described the midfielder as a unique type of player for England (when he had national team quality). It has therefore been sad to follow Phillips’ career since his transfer to Manchester City.
At Chris Wilder, the 30-year-old should get the right working conditions.
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