“I can only see him returning to Leeds, being the only way for him to possibly find some sort of peace inside and to be loved again, That’s what he needs more than anything”- Andy Townsend tips Kalvin Phillips to return to Leeds as he urges player to only return to Elland Road where he will be loved again
It has been a dismal few weeks for midfielder Kalvin Phillips since he joined West Ham United on loan from Manchester City – especially, after Sunday’s 4-3 defeat to Newcastle United at St. James’ Park.
The 28-year-old, in actual fact, has been nowhere near his best since leaving Leeds back in the summer of 2022. Just 31 appearances came in 18 months during his time at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola.
It saw him join West Ham on loan. He claimed that West Ham was the club he would have joined from Leeds, had City not been interested. Indeed, he said David Moyes had tried to sign him from Elland Road.
But a mistake a few minutes into his debut against Bournemouth, a mistake in a 3-0 loss to Manchester United, a red card against Nottingham Forest and then conceding a penalty at Newcastle – bad start.
Kalvin Phillips cannot stop making mistakes for West Ham
Footage has emerged after the 4-3 loss to Newcastle – which saw Newcastle come from 3-1 down to win 4-3 – showing Phillips respond to angry West Ham fans when boarding the coach, using a middle finger.
Speaking to TalkSPORT on Monday, Andy Townsend says that the only way for Phillips to get back to his best is by rejoining Leeds. Of course, such a move would only be possible if the Whites gain promotion.
“I can only see him returning to Leeds, being the only way for him to possibly find some sort of peace inside and to be comfortable in his surroundings, loved again. That’s what he needs more than anything.
“It wasn’t long ago when he was wearing the white of Leeds, we were saying what a player this kid is. He’s terrific, gets across the ground, can pass, an asset to any team. Completely gone, hollowed out almost.”
There is supposedly an interest from Leeds in re-signing Phillips. But as aforementioned, promotion is a necessity. Leeds picked up a 3-1 win over Hull on Monday night, to go back into the top two places.
It is said to see, and it will be sad to see for Marcelo Bielsa, who brought the best out of him after moving him into the holding midfield role. He is said to be watching every single one of Phillips’ games since.
Should Leeds sign him? Well, Leeds are thin in central midfield – especially, with Archie Gray playing on the right of defence and Ethan Ampadu alongside Joe Rodon at centre-back. There is scope for a move.
