Gabby Agbonlahor has suggested that Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips should return to Leeds United on loan for the rest of the 2022-23 campaign – after only being used as an injury-time substitute against Borussia Dortmund.
Phillips, 26, joined the Premier League champions from Leeds in the summer for an initial £42million. Another £3million in add-ons. But he has endured a tricky start to life at The Etihad – only earning his third appearance on Wednesday.
The 23-time England international came off the bench in the final moments after City had come from 1-0 down to beat Manchester City 2-1. Goals from John Stones, and a winner from Erling Haaland cancelled out Jude Bellingham’s effort.
Phillips has clocked up less than 20 minutes of action in three substitute appearances for City. A late sub against West Ham, and around 12 minutes against Sevilla. His lack of game time could place his World Cup spot in jeopardy.
Agbonlahor – who is renowned for sparking rivalry with Leeds fans on social media – took to Twitter. He suggested that Phillips should go back on loan to Leeds, presumably in the January transfer window, following his Dortmund outing.
Agbonlahor has suggested Phillips should return to Leeds
It is strange to see Manchester City spend big, or a decent amount at least, on a player to replace Fernandinho – and then hardly use him. Phillips has shown in the two years he has been at Elland Road that he is good enough for City.
Of course, his form for England, too. But he is not getting the minutes, and part of that could have been down to an injury. He needs time to obviously adapt to a new club, and Pep Guardiola’s tactics. But the World Cup is close.
Phillips needs to be playing. While he was a regular at Euro 2020, he endured an injury-hit campaign at Elland Road last term. His place is under threat, given the form of Bellingham – who starred against City at the Etihad.
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